Pope Says War “Steals” Humanity’s Future, Warns on Nuclear Risks

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday strongly criticized war and the exploitation of natural resources, saying they deprive humanity of a peaceful future. He also warned about the dangers associated with nuclear energy on the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster.

In his regular address after the Angelus prayer, he said the 1986 accident had left a lasting mark on humanity’s collective consciousness. He described it as a permanent warning against the uncontrolled use of increasingly powerful technologies and called for wisdom and responsibility in decision-making. Nuclear energy, he said, should be used only for peaceful purposes.

The Pope also likened those waging wars to “thieves” who plunder the planet’s resources and deny people the chance of a peaceful future. His remarks come amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising global tensions.

(reuters, sab)