Pope calls for prayers for Ukraine, renewed commitment to nuclear disarmament
Pope Leo XIV asks for prayers for the people of Ukraine, who continue to suffer the consequences of war exacerbated by freezing temperatures, and appeals for a renewed international commitment against the proliferation of nuclear weapons, as the New START treaty is due to expire.
Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday renewed his appeal for prayer and solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who continue to suffer the consequences of the conflict, and highlighted the need to renew the “New START treaty” against nuclear proliferation that is due to expire.
Speaking during the General Audience, the Pope said, “I urge everyone to support our brothers and sisters in Ukraine with prayer, as they are being severely tested by the consequences of bombardments that have once again begun to strike energy infrastructure as well.”
He went on to express his gratitude for concrete gestures of solidarity, and thanked the Catholic dioceses of Poland and other countries “which are working to help the population endure during this time of intense cold.”
Expiration of New START
The Pope then turned his attention to international security, recalling the “New START Treaty,” signed in 2010 by the Presidents of the United States and the Russian Federation, which he said is due to expire on Thursday.
Highlighting that the agreement represents an important step in limiting the proliferation of nuclear weapons, Pope Leo reaffirmed his encouragement for all constructive efforts in support of disarmament and mutual trust.
“I issue an urgent appeal that this instrument not be allowed to lapse without seeking to ensure a concrete and effective follow-up,” he said.
The current situation, he continued, “demands that everything possible be done to avert a new arms race that would further threaten peace among nations.”
The Pope stressed the urgency of moving beyond a logic rooted in fear and mistrust. In its place, he called for a shared ethic capable of guiding decisions toward the common good, “so that peace may become a responsibility and a heritage safeguarded by all.”
What is New START?
The Pope’s appeal to limit nuclear proliferation comes as experts express concern that the end of New START could lead towards a dangerous and costly arms race between the world’s biggest nuclear powers.
New START, (the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty), which was initially agreed upon in 2010 and extended for five years in 2021, limited US and Russian deployed strategic nuclear weapon arsenals. The treaty defines strategic nuclear weapons systems as those that are “intercontinental in range.”
The Treaty limited the number of strategic nuclear weapons for the United States and Russia. It also required regular short-notice, on-site inspections and biannual data exchange between the two countries.
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