Vienna: Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher has called on states to ensure that nuclear technology is used responsibly and that countries without nuclear weapons do not seek to acquire them.
Speaking on September 15 at the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations stressed that the peaceful use of nuclear technology must remain linked to clear responsibilities for peace, safety and human development.
Archbishop Gallagher conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s best wishes to the conference and recalled the Holy See’s longstanding commitment to the responsible use of nuclear technology. The Holy See was among the IAEA’s original signatories 70 years ago.
He said nuclear energy can contribute to humanity, particularly by helping meet growing energy needs. At the same time, he stressed that scientific progress must be guided by ethical principles and must not contribute to the spread of nuclear weapons.
The archbishop also highlighted the IAEA’s role in helping countries benefit from nuclear science and technology. Through technical cooperation, capacity building and support for national institutions, the agency can help strengthen countries’ abilities to use nuclear technology for sustainable development and reduce disparities between nations.
However, he said access to peaceful nuclear technology must be accompanied by responsibilities. A central commitment, he noted, is that states without nuclear weapons should not acquire them.
Archbishop Gallagher also referred to the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, stressing the need to balance the benefits of nuclear technology with responsibility, transparency and strong safety and security measures.
He described the protection of nuclear facilities as an urgent shared concern, particularly during armed conflicts. The Holy See maintains that nuclear facilities must not be attacked because such incidents could cause radioactive releases with serious humanitarian and environmental consequences beyond national borders.
The archbishop further called for responsible and sustainable approaches to all nuclear activities, including uranium mining and the management of radioactive waste. He said these activities must take account of environmental protection, public health and the wellbeing of future generations.
His remarks also addressed the growing use of artificial intelligence in the nuclear sector. The Holy See welcomed the IAEA’s work in this area while stressing the need for careful ethical consideration and responsible governance.
Archbishop Gallagher said the use of AI in the nuclear field should include awareness of its risks, effective human oversight, strong safety and security standards and greater international cooperation. These safeguards, he said, are necessary to ensure that such technologies serve peace, security, human health and prosperity for present and future generations.
The IAEA General Conference opened on September 14 and is scheduled to continue through September 18 in Vienna.