ROME, April 26 (Reuters) - Pope Leo on Sunday described those who wage wars and appropriate the earth's resources as thieves who rob the world of a peaceful future, issuing a warning about the use of
Pope Leo: War and Nuclear Misuse Threaten Humanity’s Peaceful Future
Pope Leo’s Address on War, Nuclear Power, and Global Peace
Anniversary of Chornobyl and the Threat of Nuclear Disaster
ROME, April 26 (Reuters) - Pope Leo on Sunday described those who wage wars and appropriate the earth's resources as thieves who rob the world of a peaceful future, issuing a warning about the use of nuclear power on the anniversary of the Chornobyl reactor accident.
Ukraine is commemorating the 40th anniversary of the world's worst nuclear disaster on Sunday amid lingering fears that Russia's four-year-old war could spark a repeat of the tragedy.
Pope Leo’s Weekly Address and Reflections
Impact of Chornobyl on Human Conscience
In his weekly address after the Angelus prayer, the Pontiff said the Chornobyl accident had left a mark on humankind's collective conscience.
"It remains a warning over the use of ever more powerful technologies," the Pope, who has just returned from a 10-day tour across four African nations, said.
Call for Wisdom in the Use of Atomic Power
"I hope that at all decision-making levels, wisdom and responsibility always prevail, so that atomic power can always be used to support life and peace," he added.
Condemnation of War, Consumerism, and Resource Exploitation
Metaphor of the Sheep Thief
Commenting on the Gospel of the day, which contained the metaphor of a sheep thief, Pope Leo said thieves came under many appearances, listing as examples "superficial lifestyles driven by consumerism", prejudices and wrong ideas.
Consequences of Plundering and War
Threats to Peace and Serenity
"And let's not forget also those thieves who, by plundering the earth's resources, by fighting bloody wars or feeding evil in whichever form, are simply taking away from all of us the chance of a future of peace and serenity," he added.
Reactions to Pope Leo’s Advocacy for Peace
Leo, the first U.S. pontiff, has attracted the ire of President Donald Trump after becoming more outspoken against war and despotism.
(Reporting by Valentina Za; Editing by Aidan Lewis)
