the bishops would be binding on indi- vidual Catholics. And while the Vatican could make such a pronounce- ment, it has avoided doing so.
One reason, says Bar, is that "although the word of God has implica- tions for Christians in their political activities, [the Church] stands above, and in fact outside, politics." While the Vatican has stressed its desire for peace, it has addressed "all regimes without exception, thus avoiding any encouragement of unilateral initiatives."...