Here is the Statement that U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Doctrine, issued : "When Pope Leo XIV speaks as supreme pastor of the universal Catholic Church, he is not merely offering opinions on theology, he is preaching the Gospel and exercising his ministry as the Vicar of Christ. The consistent teaching of the Church is insistent that all people of good will must pray and work toward lasting peace while avoiding the evils and injustices that accompany all wars.