Vatican City:  The Holy See has reiterated its firm opposition to the proliferation of nuclear weapons, calling it a moral imperative for the international community. Speaking at the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Msgr. Daniel Pacho, Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs of the Secretariat of State, urged nations to prioritize human dignity and global peace over military ambitions.

In his address, Msgr. Pacho highlighted the contrast between the vast resources invested in nuclear armaments and the pressing needs of millions of people worldwide who continue to suffer from hunger, poverty, and lack of basic services. He stressed that nuclear weapons, by their nature, are indiscriminate and disproportionate, making them incompatible with humanitarian and ethical principles.

The Vatican’s intervention came as the world marked the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, an occasion that Msgr. Pacho described as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare. He affirmed that the lessons from those tragedies must guide present and future disarmament efforts.

Msgr. Pacho praised the leadership of IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and the agency’s work in monitoring nuclear activities despite challenging conditions. He emphasized that trust in international institutions and multilateral diplomacy is essential to prevent conflict and ensure global security.

The Holy See also voiced concern over current conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. Msgr. Pacho warned of the grave risks posed by any military targeting of nuclear facilities, citing Iran as a potential flashpoint for escalation. He called on the international community to resolve disputes through dialogue and peaceful negotiation rather than force.

While firmly opposing nuclear weaponization, the Holy See recognized the potential benefits of nuclear technology in fields such as medicine, agriculture, energy, and climate change mitigation. However, Msgr. Pacho stressed that such applications must be governed by ethical frameworks rooted in safety, transparency, intergenerational justice, and stewardship of creation.

The Vatican’s call comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and increasing military expenditures worldwide. By framing nuclear disarmament as both a humanitarian and moral obligation, the Holy See is urging nations to redirect their focus from destructive arsenals toward addressing the urgent needs of humanity and building lasting peace.