10 minutes agoVatican criticises the EU: Applying Double Standards in International Conflicts
Periskopi(an hour ago)
(an hour ago)One of the Vatican's top officials has criticised the European Union, accusing it of implementing double standards in respect of international law, where, according to him, political and economic interests are prevailing over universal principles.
According to Politico's report, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, Prefect of Dickaster for Religion Doctrine, made these statements during the opening of a closed - door meeting called by Pope Leon, where cardinals from around the world are discussing the war and the role of the Catholic Church in the face of modern conflict.
The extraordinary meeting focuses on what the Pope has described as a global “culture of power”, which, according to him, is fueling today's wars. One of the main topics of discussion is the revision of traditional Catholic doctrine over “the fair fight”.
During his speech, Fernandez said many governments are interpreting the moral and judicial standards in the function of political interests, abandoning universal standards.
“If a country is considered an enemy, it is condemned as undemocratic and faces sanctions. But if he is an ally, lack of freedom of expression, violations of human rights, or lack of democracy are often overlooked”, the cardinal said.
Referring to the European Union, he said the bloc has imposed sanctions on some states, while supporting financially and militarily, without reacting in the same way to other conflicts that, according to him, have brought even more serious consequences to the civilian population.
These contradictions show that, in practice, decisions are dictated by the political and economic interests of various regions of the world. There is no longer a sustainable frame of truth and values”, he said.
Fernandez also criticised the expansion of the concept of legitimate self-defense, citing Russia, the United States and other powers that, according to him, have used this argument to justify military interventions from Ukraine to the Middle East.
He warned that even the Catholic doctrine of “righteous war” has been used wrongly to justify unjust conflicts, demanding that it be interpreted as closely and rejecting the concept of preventive war.
According to the summary published by the Vatican after the discussions, many of the participating cardinals expressed themselves in favour of overcoming the traditional doctrine of “the fair fight”. /Periscope
