Aquinas and the Geopolitical Thinking of Pope Francis



• Aquinas and the Geopolitical Thinking of Pope Francis

  Item Type	Journal Article
  Author	Graham James McAller
  Abstract	This scientific article explores the notion of a Christian geopolitics and its compatibility with realpolitik and international relations. The analysis delves into the perspectives of Pope Francis, John Mearsheimer, and Catholic social thought principles to examine the moral implications of geopolitical strategies. Mearsheimer’s bait and bleed strategy in Ukraine is critiqued for its callousness and disregard for human life, while Francis’s emphasis on personal and social reform highlights the importance of ethics and the universal destination of goods. The article questions whether Christians can engage in realpolitik strategies that perpetuate poverty and violate the principles of human dignity and mercy. It further considers the implications for Catholic leaders in government and military roles, particularly in the context of upcoming U.S. presidential contenders. The analysis ultimately challenges the notion that a Christian geopolitics is a category mistake, advocating for a higher moral road in international relations.
  Date	2023
  Language	English
  Rights	© 2023 Aletheia - Associação Científica e Cultural
  Volume	79
  Pages	531-548
  Publication	Revista Portuguesa de Filosofia
  DOI	10.17990/RPF/2023_79_1_0531
  Issue	1-2
  ISSN	0870-5283 ; 2183-461X
  Date Added	31/07/2023, 7:21:58 PM
  Modified	31/07/2023, 9:39:02 PM

  Tags:

  • Aquinas, catholic social thought, geopolitics, international relations, Pope Francis, realpolitik

  Notes:

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