ROME — Opening Pope Leo XIV's closed-door conference of the world's cardinals on war, the Vatican's doctrinal chief, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, accused the European Union of applying international law selectively, sanctioning some military invasions while treating others differently. The remarks were made on June 28, 2026, at the Vatican.
According to a Vatican statement, Fernández said the EU's approach to conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza, showed a double standard. He noted that while the EU has imposed sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, it has not taken similar actions against Israel for its military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties.
The conference, which began on June 27, 2026, and runs through June 29, brings together cardinals from around the world to discuss the Church's role in conflict resolution. Pope Leo XIV, who became pope in 2025, has made peacebuilding a central theme of his papacy.
Fernández's comments come amid ongoing debates about the EU's foreign policy consistency. The EU has maintained that its approach to each conflict is based on specific circumstances and legal frameworks, but critics argue that political considerations influence its decisions.
The Vatican has not released a full transcript of Fernández's remarks, but the statement emphasized the need for consistent application of international law to uphold human dignity and peace.
