Monday, 13 April 2026

Archbishop Thabo welcomes Pope Leo's opposition to Middle East war

As Archbishop Thabo Makgoba began a three-month sabbatical in the Netherlands, he issued the following statement of support for the church's witness against the current conflict in the Middle East:

"I want to align myself with the Catholic Church as Pope Leo XIV, supported by American cardinals, courageously challenges the kingdoms of this world with a vision for the Kingdom of our God.

Our South African experience under apartheid, and the armed struggle which was fought against it, challenged the churches of our country to work carefully through the theological thinking which helps Christians decide when it is permissable for the church of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, to support war.

Judged by these standards, the attack which the United States and Israel launched against Iran can in no way be regarded as a just war. And the glorification of war in the name of our faith that is being advanced by the Pentagon directly contradicts the Gospel. We support to growing calls from Christians across the world for an end to this aggression.

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