peace

482. What is required for earthly peace? 2304 2307-2308 Earthly peace requires the equal distribution and safeguarding of the goods of persons, free communication among human beings, respect for the dignity of persons and peoples, and the assiduous practice of justice and fraternity. 483. When is it morally permitted to use military force? 2307-2310 The use of military force is morally justified when the following conditions are simultaneously present: the suffering inflicted by the aggressor must be lasting, grave and certain; all other peaceful means must have been shown to be ineffective; there are well founded prospects of success; the use of arms, especially given the power of modern weapons of mass destruction, must not produce evils graver than the evil to be eliminated. 484. In danger of war, who has the responsibility for the rigorous evaluation of these conditions? 2309 This responsibility belongs to the prudential judgment of government officials who also have the right to impose on citizens the obligation of national defense. The personal right to conscientious objection makes an exception to this obligation which should then be carried out by another form of service to the human community.