U.S. Military Archdiocese Head Archbishop Broglio Critiques Pete Hegseth's "divinely sponsored" War as Problematic
Archbishop Timothy Broglio on the Morality of War
Archbishop Timothy Broglio, head of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, and former president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, joined the CBS program Face the Nation to discuss the spiritual and moral challenges facing U.S. service members. As the leader of over 200 Catholic chaplains, the archbishop provides guidance to those serving on bases and battlefields worldwide.
The Current State of Military Ministry
The Archbishop noted that ongoing operations in the Middle East have fundamentally shifted how chaplains operate. With many military dependents relocated to Europe or the U.S., chaplains are now ministering to service members in transient environments like hotels or temporary deployments, rather than stable base communities.
On "Just War" and the Conflict with Iran
When asked if the current war with Iran meets the Catholic criteria for a Just War (based on the teachings of St. Augustine), the Archbishop expressed significant reservations:
Preemptive vs. Reactive: Broglio argued the war may not be justified because it acts on a "perceived threat" of nuclear arms before that threat has been realized.
The Call for Diplomacy: He aligned himself with the Vatican’s stance, emphasizing that negotiation should always be the priority, despite the difficulties of finding a reliable partner for dialogue.
The Human Cost: He noted that lives—both American and Iranian—are being lost in a conflict that he believes should be a last resort.
Guidance for Catholic Service Members
The Archbishop addressed the "moral dilemma" faced by soldiers who may personally feel a war is unjustified but are legally bound by the U.S. military’s rules on conscientious objection (which generally do not allow for objecting to a specific war).
The Archbishop's Counsel: "My counsel would be to do as little harm as you can and to try and preserve innocent lives."
He suggested that while high-ranking officers (generals and admirals) might have the room to question strategic direction, the average service member must obey orders unless they are "clearly immoral."
Addressing "Moral Injury"
Broglio highlighted the concept of moral injury—the psychological and spiritual trauma that occurs when a service member’s actions in war (even under legitimate orders) conflict with their personal values. He emphasized that the Church’s role is to provide healing and reconciliation for those carrying the weight of having taken a life, without passing judgment on the individual.
Rhetoric and Religion
The interview touched on the use of religious rhetoric by political leaders, specifically Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who has frequently invoked Jesus in relation to the war.
Broglio’s Critique: He called this casting of war as "divinely sponsored" problematic.
The Message of Peace: He reminded viewers that Jesus brought a message of peace and that the Pope has frequently stated that God rejects the prayers of those who wage war.
Historical Context: He cited Pope Paul VI’s 1965 plea to the United Nations: "Jamais plus la guerre!" (Never again war!).
Interfaith Collaboration on the Front Lines
Despite the tensions of war, Broglio reported that interfaith relations among military chaplains remain strong. He noted a "genuine spirit of collaboration" between Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim chaplains, particularly as they work together to facilitate religious observations for all service members during holy seasons like Easter, Passover, and Ramadan.
Closing Thought: The Archbishop concluded by emphasizing that while the military structure is rigid, the role of the chaplain is to remain a moral compass, urging for peace and the preservation of human dignity even in the heart of conflict.
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