An interfaith event in Albuquerque, New Mexico, brought together various groups to advocate for nuclear disarmament worldwide. The event marked the 80th anniversary of the first atomic bomb test in New Mexico, highlighting the devastating effects of nuclear weapons. Local residents, primarily Latino and Native American, were not warned about the health risks of the test and experienced detrimental effects. Tina Cordova, head of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, has been advocating for New Mexico's inclusion in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act was recently expanded to include New Mexico.
5 months ago
The Archdiocese of Santa Fe, New Mexico, has organized several events to mark the 80th anniversary of the Trinity test, the first-ever atomic bomb detonation, which occurred on July 16, 1945, in south-central New Mexico 1 2 3 4. These commemorations serve as a solemn reminder of humanity's entry into the atomic age and a renewed call for global nuclear disarmament 2 3 4.
The Trinity explosion, which took place in the Jornada del Muerto desert, was felt within a 160-mile radius, affecting an estimated 500,000 predominantly Latino and Native American residents 2 3 4. These local populations received no prior warnings about the test's detrimental health effects 2 3 4. Residents experienced ashfall and subsequently reported an increase in infant deaths and a surge in cancer cases, among other serious health issues that persist today 2 3 4.
Tina Cordova, a cancer survivor and head of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, has advocated for 20 years for New Mexico's inclusion in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) 2. Recently, RECA was expanded to include New Mexico, offering $100,000 in reparations, though Cordova notes this amount cannot replace lost lives 2.
A key event was an interfaith gathering held on July 13 in Albuquerque, hosted by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, titled "80 Years and Still Waiting: A World Without Nuclear Weapons" 2 3 4. Speakers included representatives from Soka Gakkai International (a Buddhist group), Students for Nuclear Disarmament, and Nuclear Watch New Mexico 2. They highlighted the U.S. government's nearly $2 trillion nuclear weapons modernization plan and the current global nuclear threat, noting that five nuclear-armed nations are engaged in active warfare 2.
Dr. Ira Helfand, of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), emphasized the catastrophic potential of modern nuclear weapons, capable of causing hundreds of millions of deaths in major cities within hours 2. He urged citizens to press leaders for disarmament, echoing the sentiment of U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev that genuine security lies in nuclear abolition 2.
Melissa Parke, ICAN's Executive Director, called for "truth telling" from the U.S. government regarding nuclear weapons development effects, an apology, and recognition that nuclear weapons do not provide national security 2. She asserted that disarmament is an "existential" rather than "utopian" imperative, advocating for common security over mutual destruction 2.
The Holy See was among the first signatories to the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) on September 20, 2017 2. Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe stated that Pope Francis' declaration that nuclear weapons are immoral was "groundbreaking" and that the Vatican strongly supports banning them 2 3 4. He acknowledged the tension this stance can create for some faithful who might perceive it as political, but stressed the importance of speaking this truth 2.
To further commemorate the anniversary, Archbishop Wester, alongside Bishop Peter Baldacchino of Las Cruces and Bishop James Wall of Gallup, will hold a private prayer service at the Trinity test site on July 16 3 4. The Archdiocese has also encouraged churches nationwide to ring their bells at 5:29 a.m. on July 16 as a "call to prayer for peace and nuclear disarmament" 3 4. Clergy are also encouraged to include prayers for peace and nuclear weapon elimination during Masses on the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, seeking her intercession for protection from war and conversion of hearts away from violence 3 4.
What is the Church's stance on the morality of nuclear weapons?
The Catholic Church unequivocally condemns the use and possession of nuclear weapons, viewing them as immoral due to their indiscriminate and disproportionate destructive power . This stance has been consistently reiterated by various Popes and Church bodies.
The Church's teaching on nuclear weapons has evolved, particularly in light of the Cold War and the development of increasingly destructive arsenals. While the concept of deterrence was once seen by some as a paradoxically suitable way to prevent war, the Magisterium has developed strong moral reservations about it . The accumulation of arms, far from ensuring peace, risks aggravating the causes of war .
The Church advocates for "general, balanced and controlled disarmament" . This includes a determined commitment to seek the reduction and definitive dismantling of nuclear weapons . The principle of sufficiency dictates that each state should possess only the means necessary for legitimate defense, and any excessive stockpiling or indiscriminate trading in arms is morally unjustified .
The Holy See actively supports international legal instruments for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, including the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) . Pope Francis emphasizes that the total elimination of nuclear weapons is both a challenge and a moral and humanitarian imperative .
The Catholic Church's stance on nuclear weapons is one of strong condemnation, rooted in the principles of the intrinsic dignity of human life, the immorality of indiscriminate and disproportionate force, and the imperative to build peace through dialogue and disarmament rather than deterrence and fear. The Church calls for a world free from nuclear weapons, viewing it as both possible and necessary .