The umbrella group of the leaders of U.S. Catholic men's religious orders has committed to working to persuade Pope Francis to write a new encyclical letter focused on shifting church teaching away from just war theory towards Gospel nonviolence.

In a resolution adopted Aug. 3 at its annual assembly, The Conference of Major Superiors of Men declared it would "use both our individual charisms and experience as religious leaders to ... invite Pope Francis to offer an encyclical on nonviolence, which would include a shift to a just peace approach for transforming conflict."

"We recognize that violence is too often pervasive in our societies, including in the form of structural and cultural violence," states a rationale listed under the resolution. "For example, we must change economic structures and investments that perpetuate preparations for war and the proliferation of weapons in our society."

"We need a deeper understanding of Gospel nonviolence to better live out our faith, transform our societies, and 'build bridges' as well as cultures of just peace," the rationale continues.

In calling for a new papal encyclical on nonviolence, the men religious are echoing a similar call made last year by a landmark Vatican conference that was held to re-evaluate the church's long-held teachings on just war theory.