`War cannot be decided upon, even when it is a matter of ensuring the common good, except as the very last option and in accordance with very strict conditions, without ignoring the consequences for the civilian population both during and after the military operations.''
_- Annual speech to Vatican diplomatic corps as the Iraq war loomed, Jan. 13, 2003.
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``When war, as in these days in Iraq, threatens the fate of humanity, it is ever more urgent to proclaim, with a strong and decisive voice, that only peace is the road to follow to construct a more just and united society. Violence and arms can never resolve the problems of men.'
- Address to television broadcaster Telepace in first public remarks following start of Iraq war, March 22, 2003.