Pope Leo and Moral Leadership

Artwork: R. Stephenson

Pope Leo XIV responded this week to the joint U.S. and Israel attack on Iran and the growing violence in the Middle East with a call to all parties involved “to assume the moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence.”

Political leaders often use moral language to justify their actions. Much of MAGA rhetoric frames conflicts like this one in terms of good and evil. Language like that makes the conflict sound simple: good people confronting bad ones. It encourages people to unite around a perceived enemy, and violence is justified.

The Christian tradition points us in a different direction. Christians are called to unite not around fear of enemies but around justice, peace, and concern for the lives of others. Pope Leo’s appeal reflects that tradition. He calls all parties—including those who believe they are right—to take responsibility for stopping the violence.

Many of the world’s problems are made worse by the self-righteousness that characterizes much of MAGA thinking. Peace and justice are more likely when we approach crises with humility and with our shared humanity in mind.

This certainly is true of the problem of poverty as well. When people in poverty are seen as sisters and brothers, not as failures to be judged, we can together achieve dramatic progress.

There is reason for hope even in difficult times like these. Christian leaders around the world are reminding people of our moral responsibilities. From pulpits and in public statements, they are calling Christians to stand for peace, justice, and concern for people who are suffering. When faith communities speak with that kind of moral clarity, they can help move our politics in a better direction.

Watch Pope Leo’s address in the video below.

I write more about these themes—faith, moral leadership, and the work of ending poverty—in my forthcoming book Poverty Abolitionists. You can preorder it here.