Exploring Hope in the Context of War: An Interview with Phil Klay
As part of the 2025 Jubilee Year, Vatican News had the privilege of speaking with American writer Phil Klay about modern warfare, dehumanization, faith, and the vital importance of communicating hope in times of conflict.
By Joseph Tulloch
This weekend, from the 24th to the 26th of January, the Church is commemorating the ‘Jubilee for the World of Communicators’ as part of the 2025 Jubilee Year, themed ‘Pilgrims in hope’.
At the heart of this Communications Jubilee lies a crucial question: how can we effectively communicate hope in a world increasingly defined by violent conflicts?
In a candid conversation, Phil Klay, a US Marine veteran and acclaimed novelist, shared his insights on this pressing issue.
(The following interview has been lightly edited for clarity and conciseness)
Vatican News: Could you introduce yourself and your writing?
Phil Klay: Certainly. I am Phil Klay, and my writing primarily delves into the American military. My debut book centered on the Iraq War, exploring both fiction and non-fiction narratives. I have since expanded my focus to encompass various facets of American military policy and global involvement. As a devout Catholic, I view war not only through a geopolitical lens but also as a realm of profound moral and spiritual urgency. I am interested in examining the spiritual dilemmas individuals face when confronted with violence.
For this Jubilee of Communicators, a key question arises: how do we convey hope in a world engulfed by war?
Amidst the despair and suffering, there exist pockets of hope. Throughout history, humanity has grappled with atrocity and horror, yet we have made strides in confronting these challenges. In times of extreme adversity, individuals are compelled to make profound choices. War often serves as a crucible, prompting individuals to either embrace a higher power that guides them through turmoil or reject a deity who permits such anguish.
Catholicism, in particular, resonates with these moments of profound pain and existential crisis. The somber yet poignant prayer, ‘Hail Holy Queen,’ encapsulates this sentiment, acknowledging human frailty amidst a world fraught with tears and tribulations.
Your work also delves into the dehumanizing aspects of modern warfare. How do you navigate this theme?
Technology has the potential to alienate us from our humanity, a phenomenon not exclusive to drone warfare but pervasive across history. Drone strikes, while seemingly detached, can paradoxically offer a closer, more intimate view of the victims. The core issue lies in the intrinsic human tendencies that enable acts of violence. Pope Francis’s warnings about a ‘Third World War fought piecemeal’ mirror the complexities of modern warfare that I explore in my writing.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
As a Catholic writer, I believe we are duty-bound to eschew the allure of despair and instead imbue our narratives with hope. Even amidst a turbulent world, we must maintain a resolute sense of hope, no matter how daunting the circumstances may be.
