When Israel and the USA unilaterally attacked Iran under the pretext of destroying a uranium-enriching facility and preventing Iran from making a nuclear bomb (which was denied by Iran), most people around the world, including those in the USA, are of the view that this war is unnecessary and should have been avoided. Further, when the US President said that he would wipe out a civilization in Iran, it sent shockwaves around the world. A large number of people around the world wondered who would stop this madness.
With the UNO, which is supposedly a peacekeeping body, largely remaining like a toothless institution and a mere spectator, and now giving the impression of being a debating club, the voice of wisdom expressed by Pope Leo XIV has been welcomed as a refreshing and timely call for peace and as the much-needed protest against those who initiated the war.
The Pope is not merely the head of a state, but he is respected as the Vicar of Christ. Millions of Christians around the world look forward to his guidance, particularly in times of stress. The Pope has now met the expectations not only of Christians but also of people around the world owing allegiance to other religions, by insisting that this war should be stopped forthwith.
While conflicts and wars have been taking place in various regions of the world from time immemorial due to the actions of some leaders driven by greed and a lack of commitment to peace and harmony, historical events have proved that such wars have not solved any problems or settled any issues, but have only aggravated problems and resulted in several other issues, such as bitterness among people. While several deep thinkers and religious leaders around the world have always stressed the need for peace and harmony, in reality this does not often happen. However, such a situation does not mean that the voice of wisdom has no significance.
Even after the views expressed by the Pope, the war has not been stopped by those who initiated it, which implies that they do not have respect for such views. This is very unfortunate. Nevertheless, the voice of wisdom from the Pope is very necessary at the present juncture to ensure that violence and war do not become the order of the day and that people do not lose confidence in the strength of the movement for peace. Such a voice is necessary to ensure that the force of peace does not become inconsequential. The existence of such a force would ensure that warlords do not remain unchallenged, even if they are not stopped immediately.
It should be realized that the force behind the voice of wisdom expressed by the Pope, applauded and gratefully welcomed by millions around the world, is much stronger than those who think they can take the world order for granted and wilfully attack other countries with weapons and bombs that kill innocent people, destroy infrastructure, and disrupt energy installations.
In the ongoing war, NATO countries have refused to join, which is a welcome move and represents a symbolic trend toward strengthening the force of peace. At the same time, the views of several countries that disapprove of the war have not been expressed strongly enough. Concerned and discerning people around the world have also failed to organize themselves and launch a peaceful protest movement that would strengthen the force of peace.
In such circumstances, the Pope has given a lead and must move forward to help organize an effective peace movement and a climate of lasting peace around the world. The Pope has the stature and moral strength and, perhaps, is the only person in the world today in a position to launch and strengthen the force of peace.
Certainly, peace lovers around the world look to the Pope to give a lead and create a situation where the force of peace becomes stronger than the force of war.
