Vatican Approves Air Strikes; Asks Muslims to Condemn Islamic State's attacks

Notwithstanding its policy of peaceful conflict resolution, the Vatican approved air strikes by the U.S. military in Iraq fearing genocide of Christians there. It also called on Muslims to condemn the "barbaric" attacks of the Islamic State on Christians as well as minority Yazidis.

The Vatican told Muslim leaders that it is their credibility that is on the line and the international community will judge them based on their stance on the actions of the Jihadist Islamic State.

"The terrible position of Christians, Yezidis and other religious and ethnic minorities in Iraq demands a clear and courageous stance from religious leaders, especially Muslims," the Vatican said in a statement.

And, if they failed to do so, the Vatican hinted toward breaking off talks with the Islamic representatives, The Guardian reports.

Silvano Tomasi - the Holy See's ambassador to the United Nations - spoke in support of the U.S. air strikes that were aimed at stopping the Sunni Islamic State (IS) separatists. "Intervention is needed now, before it is too late. Military action might be necessary," he said, Channel NewsAsia reports.

The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, in a statement, said that the rebels must be denounced for "heinous practice of decapitation, crucifixion and stringing up bodies in public places".

The Vatican acknowledged that most religious institutions and Muslim leaders do not support the "Restoration of the Caliphate" as suggested by the Islamic State, the Big News Network reports.

Critics have pointed that the Vatican has been slow in reacting, considering that Pope Francis restricted himself to support only a peaceful resolution. But, Sunday he expressed his "dismay and disbelief" over the growing violence in Iraq and called for an "effective political solution".