Corporate profits vs. global peace: Pope Leo’s peace vigil confronts U.S., Israel aggression

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*

The peace initiative launched by Pope Leo XIV deserves wholehearted global support. At a time when the United States–led Western alliance appears captive to corporate interests that thrive on war, the Pope’s voice stands out as a moral compass. These interests, driven by profit rather than people, continue to push humanity toward catastrophe.

Donald Trump rose to power promising to “Make America Great Again,” criticizing foreign interventions and presenting himself as a peace-seeker. Yet, once in office, he entrenched the deep state further and even created a so-called “Department of War.” His first target was Venezuela, where U.S. interventions toppled a president, seized oil wealth, and allegedly looted gold reserves. Emboldened by this impunity, Trump turned toward Cuba, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drew him into direct confrontation with Iran. Over the past forty days, U.S. and Israeli forces have bombed civilian infrastructure in Iran—schools, energy facilities, bridges—inflicting immense suffering.

The global response has been dismal. Apart from Russia and China, most nations, including India, have avoided challenging Washington. The European Union has demanded “accountability” from Iran rather than from the aggressors, while Britain now leads a coalition of 30 countries to militarize the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. and Iranian leaders are meeting in Islamabad for what Trump calls a “deal.” Yet his rhetoric—intimidating Iran through social media—suggests little hope. American forces continue to pour into the Persian Gulf, signaling that Washington seeks nothing short of Iran’s surrender. The question before humanity is stark: should the U.S. and Israel be allowed to dismantle the global order at will, or should the world strengthen international cooperation through dignified diplomacy?

This war lacks genuine public support in both the U.S. and Israel. It distracts from urgent realities: food shortages, hunger, malnutrition, and displacement caused by development models serving corporate elites. Education, healthcare, and housing remain neglected, while “liberal democracies” dismiss social justice as “socialism.” Right-wing religious movements—from Christian fundamentalism in the U.S. to Hindutva in India and Jamaat-e-Islami in Pakistan—fuel intolerance and war. If unchecked, such hate-mongering risks plunging entire civilizations into crisis.

Christianity itself has a complex history. While colonial powers misused it, many revolutionary leaders in Latin America and Africa drew strength from its liberatory spirit. Indeed, the life of Jesus Christ reflects a profound commitment to justice and equality—values ignored by capitalist elites.

Against this backdrop, Pope Leo XIV’s peace vigil is a beacon. His recent words resonate deeply:

“Hundreds of millions of people throughout the world are immersed in extreme poverty. Yet, disproportionate wealth remains in the hands of a few… No gain can be worth the life of the weakest, children, or families. No cause can justify the shedding of innocent blood.”

Rejecting attempts to sanctify war, the Pope declared:

“God does not bless any conflict. Anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs.”

This is the true spirit of Christianity—aligned with justice, not violence. His initiative must be supported, not only by Christians but by leaders of all faiths and even non-believers. A global alliance for peace and justice is urgently needed.

In India, we recall revolutionary forefathers like Jotiba Phule, who fought against slavery and for human dignity. Today, the world requires the same uncompromising commitment to equality and justice. Wars imposed to protect corporate interests divert us from the real issues of the masses.

The war on Iran must end. Accountability must be sought from the aggressors—the United States and Israel. Humanity’s survival depends on rejecting war and embracing diplomacy. Pope Leo XIV has lit the path; it is up to us to walk it.

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*Human rights defender

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