On the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message urging Catholics and the global community to recommit to peace and reject the use of nuclear arms, which he called an offense against both humanity and creation.
In a message addressed to Bishop Alexis Shirama of Hiroshima, and read during the Mass for Peace by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Francisco Escalante Molina, the Holy Father reflected on the enduring legacy of one of the most devastating events of the 20th century. Between 150,000 and 246,000 people were killed when the United States dropped nuclear bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.
Pope Leo called the two cities “living reminders of the profound horrors wrought by nuclear weapons,” and emphasized the sacred duty of the Church and the faithful to honor the memory of the dead and support the living. In particular, he praised the hibakusha – the survivors of the bombings – saying their stories are “a timely summons to all of us to build a safer world and foster a climate of peace” (Vatican News).
The Pope’s message echoed and deepened the Church’s long-standing moral rejection of nuclear arms. “Nuclear arms offend our shared humanity and betray the dignity of creation, whose harmony we are called to safeguard,” he said, calling on all people of goodwill to reflect on the moral cost of these weapons (Vatican News).
The Pope also cited the words of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who said, “War is always a defeat for humanity.” Pope Leo added that genuine peace requires “the courageous laying down of weapons, especially those with the power to cause an indescribable catastrophe” (Vatican News).
In a world marked by rising geopolitical tension and new arms races, Pope Leo offered a sober warning about “the illusion of security founded on mutually assured destruction.” Instead of relying on fear, he urged the world to “forge a global ethic rooted in justice, fraternity and the common good” (Vatican News).
He closed his message with a prayerful appeal: “May this anniversary serve as a call to the international community to renew its commitment to pursuing lasting peace for our whole human family – a peace that is unarmed and disarming” (Vatican News).
For Catholics, this anniversary is not just a historical remembrance, but a spiritual call to action. It reminds us that peacemaking is not a political ideal alone—it is a Gospel imperative. In the words of Christ: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Let us pray that Pope Leo’s call will stir hearts and guide nations to seek “a peace that is unarmed and disarming,” in fidelity to the dignity of every human life and the Creator who made us all.
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