Vice President JD Vance welcomed comments from Pope Leo XIV this week after the pontiff expressed support for a newly announced agreement between the United States and Iran, calling the development a positive step toward peace and stability in the Middle East.
Speaking during a press briefing, Vance reacted enthusiastically when asked about the pope’s endorsement of the memorandum of understanding negotiated between Washington and Tehran.
“My response to that is, ‘Praise Jesus!’” Vance said. “I’m glad that the pope has positive things to say about our MOU. I think that the pope is fundamentally accurate, and it’s going to be good for the entire world, but we’ve got to keep working at it to make sure that the Iranians honor the commitments that they’ve made.”
The exchange marked a notable moment in what has at times been a complicated relationship between the Trump administration and the Vatican. Pope Leo XIV has previously voiced concerns about military conflicts in the Middle East and has consistently urged world leaders to pursue diplomacy and peace whenever possible.
During his weekly General Audience at the Vatican, Pope Leo welcomed the agreement between the United States and Iran, describing it as the fruit of “patient work of dialogue and negotiation.” He thanked the nations involved in facilitating discussions and expressed hope that the agreement would strengthen trust and stability throughout the region.
“I hope that this agreement may help strengthen mutual trust, security and stability in the Middle East, promoting paths of dialogue and cooperation among peoples,” the pope said.
The agreement comes after months of tension and conflict involving Iran and its regional proxies. According to administration officials, the memorandum includes commitments aimed at preventing Iran from advancing toward nuclear weapons while creating a framework for broader negotiations. International observers have noted that Iran has agreed to permit inspections by the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog as part of initial steps under the agreement.
Vice President Vance has become one of the administration’s chief defenders of the deal. While critics inside and outside the Republican Party have questioned whether Tehran can be trusted, supporters argue that diplomacy backed by verification offers the best opportunity to prevent a larger conflict.
Some lawmakers and pro-Israel groups remain skeptical, expressing concerns that the agreement lacks sufficient guarantees and could provide economic relief to a hostile regime. Administration officials have responded that benefits for Iran are conditioned upon measurable compliance and that no long-term concessions will be granted without verifiable changes.
The comments from Pope Leo and Vance drew attention because the two leaders have not always agreed on political matters. However, on the issue of pursuing peace and preventing further bloodshed, both men publicly expressed optimism.
A Biblical Perspective on Peace
Christians should welcome genuine efforts to avoid war while recognizing that lasting peace cannot ultimately be achieved through diplomacy alone. Scripture teaches that governments have responsibilities to pursue justice and protect their citizens, but believers are also called to be people who seek peace.
Jesus declared:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
— Matthew 5:9
The Apostle Paul likewise instructed believers:
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.”
— Romans 12:18
Christians understand that peace is not merely the absence of conflict. True peace begins with reconciliation to God through Jesus Christ.
Paul wrote:
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
— Romans 5:1
Believers should pray for wisdom for leaders who make decisions affecting millions of lives. Scripture commands:
“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”
— 1 Timothy 2:1-2
From a conservative Reformed perspective, Christians recognize that God remains sovereign over the affairs of nations. Presidents, prime ministers, kings, and treaties all operate under His providential rule.
Psalm 46:9 reminds us:
“He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire.”
Whether this agreement ultimately succeeds or fails, believers can rest in the truth that the Lord reigns. Human diplomacy may bring temporary stability, but only the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, will establish the perfect and everlasting peace promised in His coming kingdom.
Until then, Christians should pray for peace, pray for wisdom, and above all proclaim the Gospel—the only message capable of reconciling sinful men to a holy God.