Vatican City:
Pope Francis reemphasized opposition to nuclear weapons, the global arms trade, and capital punishment on the plane ride back to Rome following his apostolic visit to Japan and Thailand.
During his visit, Francis visited both Hiroshima and Nagasaki–locations where the United States dropped atomic weapons at the conclusion of World War II. Francis said he found that Hiroshima was “a true human catechesis on cruelty: cruelty.”
“There I have reiterated that the use of nuclear weapons is immoral,” said Pope Francis. “This must go in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.” The pontiff clarified that he is opposed not only to the use of these weapons, but also a country possessing them. A country possessing nuclear weapons could one day be ruled by someone who could use them to destroy humanity, he said.
Pope Francis also was cautious on the topic of nuclear power, saying that he does not believe it should be used until it can be made safer, due to the potential for serious human and environmental costs of a disaster.
“The security,” said Pope Francis, “has not been worked out. I, and this is my personal opinion, I would not use nuclear energy until there is a total security of use.” “We must do research on safety, both regarding avoiding a disaster and on the environment(al consequences,” he said. “Caring for the environment is something that [we must do] today or never.” Many energy scientists say that nuclear energy is among the safest and cleanest form of power, though when disasters do occur, they are dramatic, and the cost of cleanup is high. Italy is one of two countries that have completely phased out the use of nuclear power, and the public does not have a strong perception of nuclear energy.
Violence, said the pope “is a problem that we are trying to help solve with many educational programs” and “is a problem of willingness.” He was also critical of international organizations, such as the United Nations, that more often than not fail to actually maintain peace. “Perhaps the United Nations should take a step forward by giving up the right to veto for some nations in the security council,” he said. “I’m not a technician in this, but I feel like it is a possibility.” He added that “it would be nice if everyone had the same rights.”
For the time being, countries should negotiate to cease the production of weapons, he said.
