“Defense must always be proportionate to attack. When there is something disproportionate, a dominant tendency appears that goes beyond morality. » Pope Francis speaks and refers to what is happening in Lebanon in recent days, in particular the maxi-raid on Friday afternoon during which Israel assassinated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and decimated the movement's leadership terrorist, already heavily affected by the crisis. intelligence operations in recent weeks. The Pontiff's words were spoken in response to a question on the conflict in the Middle East and, more particularly, on the chaos that has enveloped Lebanon for days. “War is immoral,” Bergoglio added during the onboard press conference, “but the rules of war indicate morality.” And when “a country, any country” uses its force “superlatively,” this morality is lacking. When this already happens, says the Pontiff, “let's say that in Argentina you can see the bad blood.”
The big step on abortion
On the return flight from the trip to Luxembourg and Belgium, speaking to journalists, Pope Francis also had fiery words about doctors who perform abortions. “Women have the right to life, to their lives and that of their children,” is Bergoglio’s reasoning. “An abortion is murder, we kill a human being,” and therefore, this is the message, “the doctors who perform it are, if I may use the word, hitmen.” And there can be no discussion about it. » Another thing, for the Pope, “are contraceptive methods. They are something else. Don't confuse.”
Washington: “All-out war with Iran is not the solution”
Pope Francis is not the only one to comment today on recent developments in the conflict in Lebanon, where in recent days Israeli bombings have led – among others – to the death of Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah. Across the ocean, in Washington, the White House is also speaking out once again on the issue. And this from the mouth of John Kirby, spokesperson for national security: “All-out war with Hezbollah or Iran is not the way to bring people home to northern Israel safely” , Kirby said in an email interview. CNN. In any case, assured the American spokesperson, the White House continues “to discuss with the Israelis the next steps to follow in Lebanon”.
Biden insists on diplomacy
The United States appears determined to insist on de-escalation that would resolve all outstanding issues through negotiation. “President Joe Biden continues to believe that there is room and time for diplomacy,” Kirby assured, adding that “American support for Israel’s security is unwavering and that will not change.” However, the White House spokesperson also reminded Tel Aviv of the need not to attack civilians and their homes. As for the risk of possible reprisals from Hezbollah, Kirby remains rather cautious: “The United States is monitoring what Hezbollah will do and how it will try to fill the leadership vacuum,” the spokesperson limited himself to saying.
Republican criticism
The Republican Party is responsible for ruining the plans of President Joe Biden, but also of his deputy and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. In a joint statement, House Speaker Mike Johnson and other leaders of the Great old party They formally called on the White House to “end its counterproductive calls for a ceasefire and its ongoing diplomatic pressure campaign against Israel.” Leaders of the US Republican Party call Nasrallah's assassination “an important step forward for the Middle East.” No position taken, at least for the moment, by Donald Trump, who during the electoral campaign attacked his opponent Kamala Harris several times, accusing her of anti-Semitism.
On the cover: Pope Francis speaks with journalists on the flight back to Rome, September 29, 2024 (ANSA/Andrew Medichini)
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