Something primal in war connects with the good and evil in each of us. War is tragic. It's brutish. It's a sin against our brothers, against God and against our own human dignity. Yet war, for all its hideousness and suffering, also demands things that are noble: skill, discipline and self-sacrifice. Homer hated war fiercely in The Iliad, -- but it's very curious that he wrote about the greatness and heroism of warriors with such genius. William Butler Yeats had the same divided feelings when he described the bloody 1916 Irish uprising as "a terrible beauty." And of course, Robert E. Lee said that, "It is well that war is so terrible, or we should grow too fond of it."

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Colorado Springs, CO- Archbishop of Denver Charles J. Chaput addressed Catholic cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs on Monday, telling them the military profession is "honorable" and urging them to become virtuous leaders who serve their country best by serving God first.
The archbishop discussed war, the nature of obedience, and the need to recognize that people matter more than things.

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Vatican City, Feb 23, 2009: During a visit to the Major Roman Seminary to celebrate the feast of its patroness, Our Lady of Trust, Pope Benedict XVI discussed the concept of freedom explaining that it is only achieved in service to others.

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Vatican City, Jan 28, 2009: People around the world celebrated Holocaust Memorial Day on Tuesday, and Pope Benedict added his voice to the commemorations by reflecting on the Shoah at today's general audience. The tragedy of the Holocaust should remind men that dialogue, love and forgiveness are the only way to true brotherhood and peace, the Pope said.

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