Norah O’Donnell of CBS interviewed three Catholic priests who accused President Donald Trump, according to Catholic doctrine, of conducting an unjust war.

St. Thomas Aquinas was the author of Summa Theologiae, which defines the conditions of a just war. Three conditions must be met to accept war as the only option.

One, the legitimate authority who has the duty to preserve the common good is justified in declaring war. Under the War Powers Clause of the U.S. Constitution, the president is allowed to conduct military operations without the prior approval of Congress.

Two, a just cause for war must exist. According to the U.S. government, Iran is responsible for over 1,000 American deaths, connected to acts of terrorism.

Three, the warring party must have the right intentions. Since 1979, Iran has been accused of training, financing and providing weapons and safe havens for Hezbollah, Houthis, Hamas and other noted terrorist groups.

One of the reasons Trump was reelected was his campaign promise to prevent Iran from having nuclear weapons. Iran possesses highly enriched uranium. According to Catechism No. 2307, the taking of human life is forbidden unless it is for defensive purposes. As an act of defense, the president on our behalf must prevent Iran from having nuclear weapons.

George Pikoulas,

Butler