From the start of the recent tragic conflict in the Middle East, Pope Benedict XVI spoke forcefully against the extension of the conflict, especially the bombing of the civilian population in Lebanon. His stance was denounced by elements of the Catholic right as naively moralistic and by the ever-ready-to-spring Abe Foxman as partisan.

In an excellent article in today's Boston Globe, "Wars of Great Miscalculation," H.D.S. Greenway quotes former UN advisor Lakhdar Brahimi:

It was argued that the war had to continue so that the root causes of the conflict could be addressed, but no one explained how destroying Lebanon could achieve that. Rather than helping the so-called global war on terror, recent events have benefited the enemies of peace, freedom, and democracy.

Having experienced the fruits of Realpolitik, a more imaginative and creative path toward building the earthly city seems imperative. Should men and women of good will fail in this, the ministry of the present Pope may reflect, as in a distant mirror, that of his predecessor, Benedict XV.