The reconstructed Urakami Cathedral in Nagasaki, Japan, hosted a 24-hour prayer vigil for nuclear disarmament. An international delegation of religious leaders, including U.S. Catholic cardinals, participated in the 'Pilgrimage of Peace'. Commemorations included an Interfaith Memorial Service at Hypocenter Park, the site of the atomic bomb detonation. Cardinal Cupich criticized the 1945 atomic bombings for violating the just-war principle of noncombatant immunity. The pilgrimage included perpetual adoration, a peace Mass, and a torch procession symbolizing the city's spiritual rebuilding.
4 months ago
The 80th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japan, was marked by significant commemorations and renewed calls for nuclear disarmament from both religious leaders and peace activists 1 2. Events took place in Nagasaki, the site of the 1945 bombing, and in Washington D.C. 1 2.
In Nagasaki, a 24-hour prayer vigil commenced at the reconstructed Urakami Cathedral, which was destroyed in the 1945 attack 1. This vigil was part of an "Aug. 5–10 Pilgrimage of Peace," aligning with the Catholic Church’s Jubilee of Hope 1. An international delegation, including four prominent U.S. Catholic leaders—Cardinals Blase Cupich and Robert McElroy, and Archbishops Paul Etienne and John Wester—participated in the commemorations 1.
The events in Nagasaki included an Interfaith Memorial Service for Atomic Bomb Victims at Hypocenter Park, where bells from Urakami Cathedral tolled as a symbolic reminder of peace 1. The pilgrimage also featured perpetual adoration, a peace Mass, and a torch procession, spiritually linking the rebuilt city to ground zero 1. Furthermore, a symposium titled "Encounters and Hope" examined Catholic ethics and nuclear policy, involving universities from both Japan and the United States 1.
Catholic leaders strongly condemned the use and possession of nuclear weapons during the anniversary events 1 2. Cardinal Blase Cupich described the 1945 atomic bombings as "deeply flawed" for violating the just-war principle of noncombatant immunity 1. Cardinal Robert McElroy reiterated Pope Francis’ categorical rejection of atomic weapons, stating that deterrence is a "morass" rather than a path to disarmament 1.
Marie Dennis, director of Pax Christi International's Catholic Nonviolence Initiative, emphasized Pope Francis' definitive condemnation of the "very possession" of nuclear weapons, asserting there is "no moral justification" for them 2. She also noted Cardinal McElroy's reference to Pope Francis' "decisive turn away from just war theory," advocating for nonviolence as the primary lens for evaluating conflict 2.
Concurrently, peace activists from faith-based and secular organizations gathered outside the White House in Washington D.C. to "remember and mourn" the victims of the atomic bombings 2. This vigil aimed to raise public awareness about the ongoing threat of nuclear weapons, with speakers highlighting the estimated 12,000 nuclear weapons still in existence globally 2. Participants carried banners and displayed graphic photos of the 1945 devastation, inviting passersby to place flowers on the images 2. Similar prayer services were also held at the Pentagon 2.
What is the Church's teaching on nuclear weapons?
The Catholic Church's teaching on nuclear weapons has evolved over time, reflecting the changing global landscape and the increasing destructive power of these armaments. While initially acknowledging a potential for deterrence, the Church has progressively moved towards a stronger condemnation of their possession and use, emphasizing the moral imperative for disarmament .
In the early years of the nuclear age, particularly during the Cold War, the Church's stance was nuanced. The concept of "deterrence" played a significant role in discussions. Pope Pius XII, for instance, recognized the right of nations to defend themselves, even with modern weapons, provided that the use of such weapons did not result in "utter destruction" and was necessary for defense. This early view, while cautious, did not outright condemn the possession of nuclear weapons for deterrence purposes, as long as their use remained within the bounds of just war principles, which became increasingly difficult to apply to nuclear warfare.
The Second Vatican Council, in its pastoral constitution Gaudium et Spes (1965), marked a significant shift. It unequivocally condemned "any act of war aimed indiscriminately at the destruction of entire cities or of extensive areas along with their population" as a "crime against God and man himself". While not explicitly naming nuclear weapons, this statement implicitly condemned their use due to their inherent indiscriminate nature and potential for widespread devastation. The Council also urged nations to pursue arms control and disarmament, recognizing the immense suffering caused by modern warfare.
Subsequent papal teachings further developed this stance:
Several core Catholic principles underpin the Church's evolving stance on nuclear weapons:
In summary, the Catholic Church's teaching on nuclear weapons has progressed from a cautious acceptance of deterrence as a temporary measure towards a firm condemnation of their possession and a strong call for their complete elimination. Pope Francis's declaration that the mere possession of nuclear weapons is immoral represents the culmination of this evolving moral reflection, emphasizing that true peace and human dignity are incompatible with the existence of such destructive armaments. The Church continues to advocate for a world free from nuclear weapons, urging international cooperation and dialogue to achieve this goal.