VATICAN CITY, March 25: The current war on Iraq has been rejected by the conscience of humanity, Pope John Paul said on Tuesday, expressing “deep concern and great anguish” at the suffering caused by the conflict.

In a message to Roman Catholic military chaplains gathered at the Vatican, Pope John Paul said: “The use of war as a way to settle conflicts between nations was rejected by the conscience of a large part of humanity, long before the United Nations Charter.”

“Thoughts for the victims, the destruction and the suffering caused by conflicts always inspire great concern and anguish,” the pope added.

Referring to the present conflict, Pope John Paul also said the only form of military action that could be considered legitimate was in defence against an aggression.—AFP