This was the pope's last apostolic trip. Before the pandemic, in November of 2019, Pope Francis fulfilled one of his lifelong dreams: to visit Japan. It was what he wanted as a young Jesuit, but his superiors didn't allow it because of his health.
That trip left powerful messages and images of the pope, both in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Pope Francis visited the exact impact sites of the bombs, and he met some of the survivors. The pope also spoke out against the possession of nuclear weapons.
POPE FRANCIS
“With deep conviction, I wish once more to declare that the use of atomic energy for purposes of war is today, more than ever, a crime not only against the dignity of human beings, but against any possible future for our common home. The use of atomic energy for purposes of war is immoral. Just as the possession of nuclear weapons is immoral.”
It's now been 75 years since the massacre of Hiroshima. On Aug. 6, the first of the atomic bombs landed there. Three days later, on Aug. 9, the second was dropped on Nagasaki.
The pope hasn't forgotten what he saw in Japan nor the significance of this day. That's why he sent a message to Hiroshima authorities.
In it, he reiterates that the possession of nuclear weapons is immoral. He assures that in order for peace to flourish, all people must set aside weapons of war, especially the most powerful and destructive, nuclear weapons.
Lastly, Pope Francis extends an invitation to listen to the prophetic voices of the catastrophe's survivors, because they are a warning for us and future generations.
AC
Translation: CT
