Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday program on January 18 (tune into the program at timestamp 37:20), Archbishop Broglio said he is worried about the souls in his care and that US service members “could be put in a situation where they’re being ordered to do something that’s morally questionable” if the Trump administration followed through on threats to use military force to take control of Greenland.
"We do have international law and we do have moral principles that should guide all of us," he said. He added that he couldn't see any circumstances where taking Greenland by force could fulfill criteria for a "just war."
While acknowledging the practical difficulty of refusing orders, he said that “within the realm of their own conscience, it would be morally acceptable to disobey” an order that is unjust.
This is basic Catholic doctrine, which insists, "In all he says and does, man is obliged to follow faithfully what he knows to be just and right" (CCC 1778).
The archbishop stressed that such decisions would be deeply challenging for individual soldiers, sailors, and marines.
But he said that it is his duty to speak on the matter.
Pope Leo on conscientious objection
He said:
In this regard, conscientious objection allows individuals to refuse legal or professional obligations that conflict with moral, ethical or religious principles deeply rooted in their personal lives.
This may be the refusal of military service in the name of non-violence, or the refusal on the part of doctors and healthcare professionals to engage in practices such as abortion or euthanasia. Conscientious objection is not rebellion, but an act of fidelity to oneself.
At this moment in history, freedom of conscience seems increasingly to be questioned by States, even those that claim to be based on democracy and human rights.
This freedom, however, establishes a balance between the collective interest and individual dignity. It also emphasizes that a truly free society does not impose uniformity but protects the diversity of consciences, preventing authoritarian tendencies and promoting an ethical dialogue that enriches the social fabric.
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, which is a NATO ally of the United States. President Donald Trump and senior officials have claimed that Greenland is strategically vital to US security, despite Denmark’s existing role in its defense.
“Greenland is a territory of Denmark, Denmark is an ally,” Archbishop Broglio said. “It does not seem really reasonable that the United States would attack and occupy a friendly nation.”
He added that any such action “doesn’t seem necessary” or “acceptable.”
Not just Greenland
The archbishop's remarks follow earlier criticism of US military actions.
In December, he condemned a “second strike” by US forces on an alleged drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean, saying that “the moral principle forbidding the intentional killing of noncombatants is inviolable.”
On this matter, he told the BBC that his concern as a pastor was that US policy had ignored “the proper way and the moral way to respond to these situations.”
It is reported that over the weekend, President Trump sent a letter to Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stating that he “no longer [felt] an obligation to think purely of peace” after not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, and would instead focus on what he considered “good and proper” for the United States.
Archbishop Broglio said that while some political rhetoric is “more concerning than some of the actions,” it nevertheless risked serious consequences. “It tarnishes the image of the United States in our world,” he said.
The Vatican has also expressed concern.
Speaking to journalists in Rome, Cardinal Pietro Parolin called for restraint and renewed international cooperation.
“Solutions by force cannot be employed,” he said, warning that unilateral action would increase the risk of broader conflict.