The Evangelical Pope | Decisive Days Ahead

Each week we let Saint Pope John Paul II share meaningful signposts to spark socio-economic resolves through justice and righteousness combined with mercy and compassion; in short, love.

               18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,”
                   Says the LORD.
               “Though your sins are like scarlet,
                   They shall be as white as snow;
               Though they are red as crimson,
                   They shall be like wool.

                __ Isaiah 1:18 (New International Version)

Peaceful Resolution

St. Peter’s Square, 16 March 2003 | The coming days are crucial in shaping the Iraqi crisis, calling for reflection and action. Let’s pray for the Lord to inspire courage and foresight on both sides, guiding them to make wise, compassionate choices.

The Duties of Iraqi Political Leaders

Political leaders in Baghdad must prioritize working with the international community to prevent conflict and protect citizens, keeping their safety at the forefront.

The Role of the United Nations and the Security Council

Remind UN member countries, especially Security Council members, of their responsibilities. Use force only as a last resort after all peaceful options are exhausted. This underscores principles in the UN Charter.

The Consequences of Military Action

Considering the significant consequences of an international military intervention—impacting Iraq and the broader Middle East, a region already suffering—it is vital to evaluate the implications thoroughly. Such actions could worsen extremism. Stakeholders are urged to seek negotiations and promote peace. Dialogue and understanding remain possible.

The Meaning of Negotiation and Responsibility

Reflecting on duties and engaging in energetic negotiations are not acts of humiliation; they show a responsible commitment to peace. True peace is not just political agreements but a gift from God for those who submit to Him and gratefully accept His love.

A Message from Experience

Having survived World War II, I urge younger generations—who haven't experienced war firsthand—to heed my call at the United Nations: "No more war."

Excerpted from:

JOHN PAUL II, ANGELUS, Sunday, 16 March 2003

https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/angelus/2003/documents/hf_jp-ii_ang_20030316.html

SAINT POPE JOHN PAUL II AND THE MULTIPOLAR WORLD ORDER

Saint Pope John Paul II strongly believed in a world where multiple centers of power collaborate harmoniously.

• He saw this as a way to respect the dignity of all nations and cultures, fostering a peaceful and inclusive global community.
• He envisioned that diverse hubs of influence would promote solidarity and respectful dialogue, reduce conflicts, and improve cooperation and shared responsibility for international challenges.
• His stance combined strategic insight with moral principles, emphasizing that a multipolar world is essential for justice, peace, and the well-being of people worldwide.

By Abraham A. van Kempen

10 November 2025

Justification and Implications for Peaceful Coexistence in Geopolitics

Introduction

Saint Pope John Paul II, a prominent religious leader of the 20th century, often discussed the idea of a multipolar world in his teachings and writings. He supported a world in which power is distributed among multiple centers rather than controlled by a single superpower or in a bipolar confrontation. His perspective was influenced by his theological beliefs and his insights into world politics, particularly during the turbulent period at the end of the Cold War.

ILLUSTRATION: IGI TALAO

Papal Justification for Multipolarity

Pope John Paul II justified a multipolar world by emphasizing the inherent dignity of all nations and cultures. He believed that each individual has a right to self-determination, and acknowledging multiple centers of power would protect the unique identities, traditions, and aspirations of different nations. From his perspective, a multipolar system is fairer because it discourages the dominance of one or two powerful entities over others.

The Pope frequently emphasized the importance of solidarity and subsidiarity—core concepts in Catholic social teaching. Solidarity promotes mutual respect and cooperation among nations, while subsidiarity advocates for decision-making at the most local level possible. According to John Paul II, a multipolar world would foster these principles, allowing local and regional entities to engage actively in global affairs.

Multipolarity as a Pathway to Peaceful Coexistence

John Paul II argued that a multipolar world could promote peaceful coexistence among nations —both allies and adversaries —by fostering dialogue, mutual respect, and recognition. In such a system, no single country or alliance would be able to enforce its will unilaterally, thereby decreasing the likelihood of dominance, resentment, and conflict. Instead, having multiple powers would require countries to negotiate, compromise, and find shared interests.

Furthermore, the Pope contended that a multipolar world would foster the development of international institutions and frameworks to mediate conflicts and advance justice. He highlighted the importance of the United Nations and other multilateral organizations in offering forums for peaceful resolution and cooperation. Decentralizing power through multipolarity inhibits unchecked aggressive and expansionist policies, as different actors can balance and deter these threats.

Geopolitical Implications

John Paul II viewed multipolarity as a means to manage the complexities of globalization, economic ties, and cultural diversity. He argued that a multipolar system would promote more inclusive decision-making and ensure minority voices are heard internationally. This approach, he believed, would reduce conflicts and encourage collective responsibility for global issues like poverty, conflict, and environmental harm.

Peace is a balancing act.

Ultimately, the Pope’s concept of multipolarity extended beyond politics to encompass moral and spiritual dimensions. He advocated for a “civilization of love” in which dialogue could reconcile differences and in which the common good overshadowed individual self-interest. Thus, multipolarity was seen not only as a geopolitical framework but also as an ethical duty to foster peace, justice, and human well-being for everyone.

Conclusion

Saint Pope John Paul II supported the idea of a multipolar world by emphasizing the dignity of nations, solidarity, subsidiarity, and the importance of inclusive global governance. He believed that multipolarity could encourage peaceful coexistence among different international actors, helping to minimize conflict and oppression while fostering dialogue and cooperation. His perspective remains relevant as the world faces ongoing challenges related to power, identity, and peaceful coexistence.