Column: Words of Pope Francis
Apr. 23, 2025
Pope Francis emphasized the theme of protecting all lives when he visited Japan six years ago. He turned his eyes not only to the A-bombed cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but also to the areas hit by the Great East Japan Earthquake, a triple disaster of earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear power plant accident.
Some 1.3 billion Roman Catholics and many others grieved over the news of his death. No matter what religion we embrace, let us all remember the messages he delivered in Japan and engrave them in our hearts. This is because they will be a support a structure for us to live and to realize a world without nuclear weapons.
“The use of atomic energy for purposes of war is... a crime,” he said in Hiroshima. In Nagasaki he rejected the theory of nuclear deterrence, saying nuclear weapons would not protect us. He said he would take swift action in accordance with the principles of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The Vatican City State was one of the first to ratify the treaty.
He seemed deeply moved when he met with victims of the triple disaster. On his way back, he clearly stated nuclear power plants should not be used until their safety is guaranteed. He expressed deep concern using nuclear power for war would lead to destruction, and even its peaceful use could cause significant harm.
He called for ceasefires in the conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine and criticized the exclusionary Trump Administration. To protect all lives, leaders should listen to his words and repent.
(Originally published on April 23, 2025)
Some 1.3 billion Roman Catholics and many others grieved over the news of his death. No matter what religion we embrace, let us all remember the messages he delivered in Japan and engrave them in our hearts. This is because they will be a support a structure for us to live and to realize a world without nuclear weapons.
“The use of atomic energy for purposes of war is... a crime,” he said in Hiroshima. In Nagasaki he rejected the theory of nuclear deterrence, saying nuclear weapons would not protect us. He said he would take swift action in accordance with the principles of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The Vatican City State was one of the first to ratify the treaty.
He seemed deeply moved when he met with victims of the triple disaster. On his way back, he clearly stated nuclear power plants should not be used until their safety is guaranteed. He expressed deep concern using nuclear power for war would lead to destruction, and even its peaceful use could cause significant harm.
He called for ceasefires in the conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine and criticized the exclusionary Trump Administration. To protect all lives, leaders should listen to his words and repent.
(Originally published on April 23, 2025)
