As Hiroshima mourns Pope Francis, A-bomb survivors vow to carry on his legacy of peace
Apr. 22, 2025
Sorrow pervaded the A-bombed city of Hiroshima following the news of Pope Francis’ death on April 21. When he visited Hiroshima in November 2019, he sent a message to the world rejecting the use and possession of nuclear weapons. Determined to carry on his legacy of peace, A-bomb survivor organizations and people concerned have renewed their resolve to abolish nuclear weapons.
Yoshiko Kajimoto, 94, an atomic bomb survivor who lives in Hiroshima’s Nishi Ward, still remembers the warmth of the pope’s hands when she shook his. She met him at the Meeting for Peace held at the Peace Memorial Park (Naka Ward) and shared her experience of the atomic bombing. She said: “I’m deeply saddened. Although I am not a significant figure, I would like to continue his legacy.”
Fumiko Kato, 95, Asaminami Ward, is a Catholic and atomic bomb survivor who was invited to the meeting. Remembering that the pope put his arm around her shoulders that time, “Tears fell from my eyes,” Ms. Kato said in a trembling voice.
Toshiyuki Mimaki, 83, chair of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-bomb Sufferers Organizations (Hiroshima Hidankyo), said that he had “asked the pope to persuade politicians around the world to stop war” and also handed him a letter. Mr. Mimaki said: “The pope will be greatly missed.” Kunihiko Sakuma, 80, chair of another Hiroshima Hidankyo, said that with the memory of the embrace with the pope, he would “make one more effort to communicate at home and abroad the terrible consequences caused by the atomic bombing,” and looked toward the future.
The pope especially supported the A-bombed city with his speech. Yuji Kawano, 66, president of the Elisabeth University of Music (Naka Ward), said: “He was very thoughtful. I felt his strong will to work for world peace.” The founder of the university was a Jesuit, as was the Pope. Yuna Okajima, 20, a junior at Hiroshima University who is currently studying in Sweden, reported on the meeting as a junior writer for the Chugoku Shimbun. Recalling that time, she said: “I was moved by his attitude of criticizing the leaders of the nuclear-weapon states without flinching.”
A Mazda 3, a compact car, was used by the pope for transportation in Hiroshima because the Vatican requested a smaller, environmentally friendly vehicle.
Bishop Mitsuru Shirahama, 62, of the Catholic Diocese of Hiroshima, worked hard to welcome the pope to the city. He remembers the pope as a “gentle, humorous person. He was supposed to be someone beyond our reach, but I felt he was close to us.” In 2020, Bishop Shirahama founded the Nuclear-Free World Foundation with other pacifist groups. “It was reassuring, as if the pope had given us a supportive push, saying, ‘Work for peace.’ I will carry on his wish by continuing to act,” he vowed.
Kazumi Matsui, Mayor of Hiroshima, and Hidehiko Yuzaki, Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture, each released a statement. Mayor Matsui said: “The pope’s thoughts have encouraged many people around the world.” Governor Yuzaki said: “Reflecting on the weight of the words spoken by the pope in Hiroshima, I will continue to make further efforts to realize a peaceful, sustainable world with the abolition of nuclear weapons.”
(Originally published on April 22, 2025)
Yoshiko Kajimoto, 94, an atomic bomb survivor who lives in Hiroshima’s Nishi Ward, still remembers the warmth of the pope’s hands when she shook his. She met him at the Meeting for Peace held at the Peace Memorial Park (Naka Ward) and shared her experience of the atomic bombing. She said: “I’m deeply saddened. Although I am not a significant figure, I would like to continue his legacy.”
Fumiko Kato, 95, Asaminami Ward, is a Catholic and atomic bomb survivor who was invited to the meeting. Remembering that the pope put his arm around her shoulders that time, “Tears fell from my eyes,” Ms. Kato said in a trembling voice.
Toshiyuki Mimaki, 83, chair of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-bomb Sufferers Organizations (Hiroshima Hidankyo), said that he had “asked the pope to persuade politicians around the world to stop war” and also handed him a letter. Mr. Mimaki said: “The pope will be greatly missed.” Kunihiko Sakuma, 80, chair of another Hiroshima Hidankyo, said that with the memory of the embrace with the pope, he would “make one more effort to communicate at home and abroad the terrible consequences caused by the atomic bombing,” and looked toward the future.
The pope especially supported the A-bombed city with his speech. Yuji Kawano, 66, president of the Elisabeth University of Music (Naka Ward), said: “He was very thoughtful. I felt his strong will to work for world peace.” The founder of the university was a Jesuit, as was the Pope. Yuna Okajima, 20, a junior at Hiroshima University who is currently studying in Sweden, reported on the meeting as a junior writer for the Chugoku Shimbun. Recalling that time, she said: “I was moved by his attitude of criticizing the leaders of the nuclear-weapon states without flinching.”
A Mazda 3, a compact car, was used by the pope for transportation in Hiroshima because the Vatican requested a smaller, environmentally friendly vehicle.
Bishop Mitsuru Shirahama, 62, of the Catholic Diocese of Hiroshima, worked hard to welcome the pope to the city. He remembers the pope as a “gentle, humorous person. He was supposed to be someone beyond our reach, but I felt he was close to us.” In 2020, Bishop Shirahama founded the Nuclear-Free World Foundation with other pacifist groups. “It was reassuring, as if the pope had given us a supportive push, saying, ‘Work for peace.’ I will carry on his wish by continuing to act,” he vowed.
Kazumi Matsui, Mayor of Hiroshima, and Hidehiko Yuzaki, Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture, each released a statement. Mayor Matsui said: “The pope’s thoughts have encouraged many people around the world.” Governor Yuzaki said: “Reflecting on the weight of the words spoken by the pope in Hiroshima, I will continue to make further efforts to realize a peaceful, sustainable world with the abolition of nuclear weapons.”
(Originally published on April 22, 2025)
