Fr Adolfo Nicolas: Military action in Syria would be "an abuse of power"
The Jesuit General, Father Adolfo Nicolas, in an interview with John Pontifex of
the Independent Catholic News posted on September 4, says military action in Syria
would be an abuse of power. Please find below the full text
of the interview
The Jesuit General has accused the United States and France
of an "abuse of power", in considering military action in Syria and says the Jesuits
fully support Pope Francis' call for a day of prayer and fasting in support of peace
this Saturday.
While he says he would not normally comment on international
or political situations, Father General Adolfo Nicolás SJ says the current circumstances
mean he cannot keep silent, stating: "I cannot understand who gave the United States
or France the right to act against a country in a way that will certainly increase
the suffering of the citizens of that country, who, by the way, have already suffered
beyond measure."
Fr Nicolás outlines three fundamental problems. Firstly, an
abuse of power which, he says, would be like "the big boy of the neighbourhood" abusing,
harassing and bullying the weaker members of the community. Secondly, he expresses
concern about the lack of concrete information about the use of chemical weapons in
Syria. And he highlights in particular the impact that any military action by the
US and France would have upon "the ordinary innocent and poor people" of Syria.
The
Jesuit General says "the danger is now" and he echoes the Holy Father's call for a
day of prayer and fasting for peace on 7 September. The full text of the extraordinary
interview with him is given below.
Interview with Father General about Syria
and peace
Q. The Holy Father has gone out of the way to speak for Peace in
Syria, which is now under threat of a new attack by the United States and France.
What do you think in this regard?
R. It is not customary for me to make comments
on situations that have to do with international or political situations. But in the
present case we are dealing with a Humanitarian situation that exceeds all the limits
that would ordinarily keep me silent. I have to confess that I cannot understand who
gave the United States or France the right to act against a Country in a way that
will certainly increase the suffering of the citizens of that country, who, by the
way, have already suffered beyond measure. Violence and violent action, like what
is being planned, have to always be the last resort and administered in such a way
that only the guilty are affected. In the case of a Country this is evidently impossible
to control and, thus, it seems to me totally unjustified. We, Jesuits, support 100%
the Holy Father and wish with all our hearts that the threatened attack on Syria does
not take place.
Q. But, hasn´t the world a responsibility to do something against
those who abuse power against their own people, like a Government using chemical weapons
in a conflict?
R. We have right here three different problems that it is important
to state clearly. The first is that all abuse of power is to be condemned and rejected.
And, with all respect for the people of the United States, I think that a military
intervention like the one being planned is itself an abuse of power. The US has to
stop acting and reacting like the big boy of the neighborhood of the world. This leads
inevitably to abuse, harassment and bullying of the weaker members of the community.
The
second is that if there has been use of chemical weapons we still have to probe in
a way that is clear to the whole world that one party in the conflict and not the
other has used them. It is not enough that some members of the punishing Government
make a statement of conviction. They have to convince the world, so that the world
can trust in them. This confidence does not happen today, and many have already started
speculation about the ulterior motives that the USA may have in the projected intervention.
And
the third, that the means considered adequate to punish the abuse do not harm the
very victims of the original abuse, once it has been proved to exist. Past experience
teaches us that this is practically impossible (even if we call the victims "collateral
damage") and the results increase the suffering of the ordinary innocent and poor
people. We all know that the great concern of the Wise Elders and Religious Founders
of all traditions and cultures was "how to reduce human suffering?" It is very worrying
that in the name of justice we plan an attack that will increase the suffering of
the victims.
Q. Aren´t you particularly harsh on the United States?
R.
I do not think so. I have no prejudice regarding this great Country and I have a few
American Jesuits working with me whose opinions and services I value very highly.
I have never entertained any negative feelings against the United States, a Country
that I admire on many counts, including commitment, spirituality and thought. What
disturbs me most now is that precisely this country I respect so much is at the point
of doing such a terrible mistake. And something similar goes for France. A Country
that has been a real leader in esprit, intelligence, and that has made gigantic contributions
to Civility and Culture is now tempted to bring us back to barbarism, in open contradiction
of what France has been a symbol of for many past generations: That two such Countries
would come together for such an outrageous measure is part of the world´s anger. We
are not afraid of the attack; we are afraid of the barbarism to which we are being
lead
Q. But why speak out now?
R. Because the danger is now. Because
the Holy Father has taken a measure that is extraordinary to indicate the urgency
of the moment. To indicate that the 7th of September is a day of Fasting for the sake
of Peace is an extraordinary measure and we want to join him in it. Remember that
at one point in the Gospel, when the disciples of Jesus could not liberate a young
man from an evil spirit, Jesus told them: "This kind of spirits cannot be driven away
if not by prayer and fasting" I find it extremely upsetting that a Country that considers
itself, at least nominally, Christian, could not imagine other ways of acting that
would not be "military", and, instead, contribute to bring Humanity back to the law
of the jungle.