In his first Sunday address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV issued a passionate plea for global peace, echoing his predecessor Pope Francis with an emotional cry: “No more war!” With tensions still simmering in Ukraine, Gaza, and between India and Pakistan, his appeal struck a chord with the crowd of over 100,000 gathered in Vatican City. But while the call for peace is undoubtedly noble, it also begs a critical question: can we truly achieve peace without confronting the root causes of conflict?
Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, called explicitly for an “authentic and lasting peace” in Ukraine, urging direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. This statement came just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct peace talks. While dialogue is always preferable to bloodshed, conservatives must remain wary of empty diplomatic gestures that could embolden adversaries. President Trump has shown the world how peace through strength truly works—by demanding tangible outcomes and ensuring America’s interests are protected first.
The Pope also pleaded for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. It’s commendable to seek peace, but let’s not forget that Hamas is a terrorist organization openly committed to Israel’s annihilation. True peace cannot be built on appeasement or moral equivalence. It requires unequivocal condemnation of terrorism and unwavering support for Israel, America’s staunch ally and the region’s only true democracy.
Furthermore, Pope Leo praised the fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan. While hopeful, this optimism must be tempered by reality. Both nations are nuclear-armed, and Kashmir remains a powder keg. President Trump has actively sought a meaningful resolution to this conflict, balancing diplomacy with firm expectations of accountability. The Vatican should recognize that lasting peace comes not just from prayers, but from decisive leadership and principled negotiation.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, brings a unique background to the Papacy. Having spent decades as a missionary in Peru before rising through Vatican ranks, he carries dual U.S. and Peruvian citizenship. While this multicultural perspective could enrich his approach, some conservative Americans express concern that Leo has yet to acknowledge the land of his birth since his election. It is essential that Pope Leo understands the critical role America plays in global security and peace initiatives. Acknowledging American leadership isn’t arrogance; it’s recognition of our nation’s unmatched commitment to freedom and democracy worldwide.
The Pope’s first Sunday appearance coincided with a grand pilgrimage featuring marching bands from across the globe—an uplifting spectacle that provided contrast to his solemn message. Yet, entertainment should not mask hard truths. The world remains perilously close to what Pope Leo himself described as “the dramatic scenario of a Third World War being fought piecemeal,” borrowing a phrase from Pope Francis. If we intend to avoid such a disastrous outcome, we must confront evil directly, not merely wish it away.
Throughout history, peace has never been achieved through mere good intentions or eloquent speeches. Real peace is forged through strength, clarity of purpose, and moral courage. President Trump’s America First agenda—which prioritizes border security, revitalizing manufacturing, reforming trade, overhauling education, and ending endless foreign wars—has revitalized American strength and credibility on the international stage. This is precisely the model that should inspire not only America but global leaders, including Pope Leo XIV.
As conservatives, we respect and admire the Pope’s spiritual leadership, but we must remind the world that genuine peace requires action grounded in reality, accountability, and strength. President Trump has repeatedly demonstrated that bold, principled leadership—not hopeful rhetoric—is the surest path to peace and prosperity. Pope Leo’s heartfelt call for “no more war” is welcome, but it must be matched by decisive actions that confront aggression. Only then can we move closer to a world defined not by empty truces and fragile ceasefires, but by lasting peace built upon strength, justice, and moral clarity.
