Cardinal Bo: ‘We need a new paradigm’ for peace

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Myanmar called for a new approach to peace and legitimate defense during an international conference in Rome. Addressing the Unarmed and Disarming Peace conference, hosted by the Catholic Institute for Nonviolence, the cardinal argued that nonviolence is not passivity or a failure to protect people. He stated that nonviolent strategies can serve as an effective response to violence and modern military technologies.

Cardinal Bo suggested that true legitimate defense should use unarmed methods to achieve disarming effects. He proposed using civilian-based defense, unarmed civilian protection, and active nonviolent resistance as practical ways to defend people. To support this shift, he called for increased investment in diplomacy, restorative justice, early-warning peace networks, and systematic de-escalation to protect human dignity without repeating the logic of violence.

The conference is part of a 10-day international initiative organized by Pax Christi. The program is scheduled to conclude on September 11 with a pilgrimage to Assisi inspired by St. Francis and St. Clare.