Pope calls for atomic energy to be used for peaceful ends

Jul 30, 2007 / 08:52 am

Upon concluding the recitation of the Angelus this Sunday with a group of pilgrims at the papal summer residence of Castelgandolfo, Pope Benedict XVI said that atomic energy should be used for peaceful ends.

The Pope began his remarks emphasizing the theme of world peace, noting that Sunday was “the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the IAEA, the International Atomic Energy Agency, which was instituted with the mandate to ‘seek to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health, and prosperity throughout the world’.”

The epochal changes of the last 50 years are evidence of how, in the difficult crossroads at which humanity finds itself, the commitment to encourage the nonproliferation of nuclear arms, to promote a progressive and agreed-upon nuclear disarmament, and to favor the peaceful and safe use of nuclear technology for authentic development -- respectful of the environment and always attentive to the most disadvantaged populations -- is always relevant and urgent,” the Pontiff said.

Likewise he stressed that in place of the arms race “there must be substituted a common effort to mobilize resources toward objectives of moral, cultural and economic development, 'redefining the priorities and hierarchies of values.'"

We again entrust to the intercession of Mary Most Holy our prayer for peace, in particular that scientific and technological knowledge be used with a sense of responsibility and for the common good, in complete respect for international law. Let us pray that men live in peace and all feel as brothers, sons of one Father: God,” the Pope said in conclusion.