Theme D — Religion, Peace and Conflict

The First Crusade was launched in 1095/1096 — the 11th century — by Pope Urban II's call at Clermont.

Just War Theory was developed by Thomas Aquinas.

The Catholic Church under Pope Francis has called for nuclear disarmament — declaring the possession, not just the use, of nuclear weapons immoral (2017 Vatican conference).

A Christian may be a pacifist because Jesus taught love of enemies and non-violence — and himself accepted death rather than fight back.

Forgiveness is letting go of resentment toward someone who has wronged you and choosing not to seek revenge.

Most religions condemn aggressive war but allow defensive war (war against an attacker).

The European Wars of Religion (16th-17th C, including the Thirty Years' War) were conflicts largely between Catholics and Protestants following the Reformation.

Corrymeela is a Christian reconciliation community in Northern Ireland (founded 1965) working across the Catholic-Protestant divide.

Catholic aid agencies like CAFOD provide emergency relief, long-term development, and advocacy on behalf of those affected by war and poverty.

Christian teaching condemns terrorism because it violates the sanctity of life and kills innocents — directly contrary to "love your neighbour" (Matthew 22:39).