War is always a defeat, but is it always avoidable? Even in the Third Millennium, are there circumstances that make it as tragic as it is inevitable? How does Catholic moral teaching compare with a situation of conflict that is ever closer to us? Do European history and thought still have an authoritative message to convey on these issues? On 25 October next, at the Pontifical Gregorian University, there will be a day of study and reflection entitled ‘Is there a just war? European values in times of aggression’.

The initiative is part of the European Future Talks (Bad St. Leonhard), in collaboration with COMECE (Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union) and the Faculty of Philosophy of the Pontifical Gregorian University (Rome). Personalities from the academic world will discuss with representatives of institutions such as the European Parliament, the Italian Episcopate and humanitarian relief actors in war scenarios.

The day will open at 9 a.m. with greetings from the Rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University, Fr. Mark Lewis S.J., followed by those of Dr. Christian Gsodam (European External Action Service, Founder of ‘European Future Talks’) and the President of COMECE, Mgr. Mariano Crociata. This will be succeeded by four panels discussing topics such as the right of defence and the rule of law in times of war; the legitimacy of war as a remedy to dictatorships and crimes against humanity; the protection of human dignity in times of war; and peace-building processes, i.e. how to ensure sustainable justice after war.

Speakers included Prof. Dr. Jan Wouters (Professor of International Law/International Organisations, KU Leuven); Prof. Dr. Paul Tang, S.J. (Faculty of Social Sciences, Pontifical Gregorian University); H.E. Ambassador Giampaolo Cantini (Secretary General for Foreign Affairs, Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta); Prof. Dr. Jan de Volder (KU Leuven, Cusanus Chair ‘Religion, Conflict and Peace’). Their words will be answered by members of the European Parliament, Caritas Europe, the Italian Red Cross, the Military Ordinariate, and other institutions.

The conference is in presence only and in English. In addition to the academic community in Rome, representatives of the press and general public are cordially invited to attend.