The pope says the war on Iraq threatens the "fate of humanity":

"When war, as in these days in Iraq, threatens the fate of humanity, it is ever more urgent to proclaim, with a strong and decisive voice, that only peace is the road to follow to construct a more just and united society," John Paul said. "Violence and arms can never resolve the problems of men."

The pontiff said that peace is "a gift of God and a humble and constant achievement by men."

John Paul, with impassioned speeches and Vatican diplomacy, lobbied against war and in favor of a negotiated solution in the months before the conflict.

....A few hours after the war began, the Vatican expressed "deep pain" and faulted both sides for failing to find a peaceful solution, but until Saturday, the pope himself had not spoken publicly about the attacks.

John Paul has said there is no legal or moral justification for military action. He has also expressed concern that war would harm relations between Christians and Muslims. [Yahoo]

When priests destroy the souls of children, when women have no control of their own bodies, when Nazis kill Jews, when Stalinists murder and torture their own people and develop weapons of mass destruction, it is the duty of spiritual leaders do all in their power to right these wrongs, to advocate any means necessary to halt the injustice. When this is done, I'll listen to the pope.

At this point, it would appear authority and hierarchy are paramount in the pope's mind: that is the "fate of humanity" to which he refers.