Washington D.C., Mar 12, 2013 / 01:04 am
Amid continued debate over the use of drone strikes, Catholic thinkers warned that the U.S. drone program – particularly when used in civilian areas – raises a host of complex moral considerations.
"It would be very easy to come to reasoning that the Church would be absolutely opposed to the use of drones – foreign or domestic – in civilian areas" said Joshua Mercer, political director of civic action group Catholic Vote.
Drones are distantly controlled unmanned aircrafts that are used by the military for observation of prospective targets and for missile attacks on suspects of terrorism. The U.S. drone program was started by the Bush administration and expanded by the Obama administration.
The use of drones has been controversial in recent months, particularly with regards to their use in civilian areas, risking high levels of civilian casualties.