Archbishop Caccia recalls harm done by nuclear energy

By Francesca Merlo

Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Holy See's Permanent Observer to the United Nations, echoed Pope Francis' message regarding nuclear disarmament during the UN's General Assembly High-level Plenary Meeting commemorating the International Day Against Nuclear Tests (IDANT).

In his address, Archbishop Caccia urged the international community to listen to the "prophetic voices" of nuclear test victims and take decisive steps towards disarmament.

Archbishop Caccia underscored the grave historical reality, saying the Trinity site's first nuclear-explosive test 78 years ago ignited a dangerous arms race, causing immeasurable harm.

These tests have left a trail of suffering, he said, including "displacement, multigenerational health problems, poisoned food and water" and spiritual disconnection from the Earth.

Indigenous peoples, women, and children have borne the brunt, with minimal assistance provided.

Moral and legal duties

In response, Archbishop Caccia stated that nations relying on nuclear deterrence must fulfill their moral and legal duties to remedy the damages caused by these tests.

He cautioned against the resurgence of nuclear testing, which would heighten global tensions and undermine security.

The Holy See steadfastly supports the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, the culmination of decades of international collaboration.

Additionally, the Holy See advocates for reinforcing the nuclear-test ban stipulated in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).

Pope Francis' assertion that nuclear weapons cannot underpin an "ethics of fraternity" resonates with this stance.