The Holy See underscored the moral imperative of preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons while promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy
Newsroom (19/09/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a powerful address to the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Msgr. Daniel Pacho, Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs at the Holy See’s Secretariat of State, underscored the moral imperative of preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons while promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy. His remarks, delivered on behalf of the Holy See, highlighted the ethical and humanitarian stakes in a world grappling with rising military expenditures and persistent global conflicts.
A Moral and Ethical Call to Action
Msgr. Pacho began by conveying greetings from Pope Leo XIV to the IAEA’s delegates, commending the “tireless” efforts of Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and the Secretariat, who continue their critical work “even under challenging conditions.” He emphasized that ensuring nuclear energy is used solely for peaceful purposes while halting the spread of nuclear weapons is not just a policy goal but a moral obligation.
“This duty is particularly evident in the current era,” Msgr. Pacho stated, “when the incongruity of allocating valuable resources to developing and accumulating nuclear weapons is starkly contrasted with the fact that so many people on this planet are struggling to survive.” He described the global surge in military spending, particularly on nuclear armaments, as “an affront to humanity as a whole,” warning that a major nuclear confrontation would lead to “irreparable and devastating” consequences and “unparalleled loss of human lives.”
Reflecting on History and Core Principles
Marking the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Msgr. Pacho reaffirmed the Holy See’s steadfast commitment to the founding principles of the United Nations and the IAEA, as well as to global disarmament efforts. He condemned nuclear weapons as “indiscriminate, disproportionate, and fundamentally incompatible with humanitarian and ethical principles by their very nature.” Their possession, he argued, fuels fear, provokes destabilizing reactions, and creates unprecedented risks.
The Undersecretary stressed the critical role of the IAEA’s monitoring and verification activities in rebuilding mutual trust among nations. Such trust, he noted, is essential for fostering dialogue, securing peace, and ensuring regional and global stability. “Respecting the IAEA’s missions is critical today to resume dialogue, build peace, and ensure security,” he said.
Addressing Global Flashpoints
Msgr. Pacho expressed deep concern over ongoing conflicts that exacerbate the risks of nuclear proliferation. He singled out the “dreadful war in Ukraine” and the volatile situation in the Middle East, cautioning that military actions targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities could escalate tensions further. “Such actions have the potential to lead to further escalation, making the situation even more sensitive,” he warned.
Quoting Pope Leo XIV, Msgr. Pacho called for a revitalization of multilateral diplomacy and the strengthening of international institutions tasked with resolving disputes. He urged a global halt to “the production of instruments of destruction and death,” emphasizing the need for cooperative solutions to global challenges.
The IAEA as a Model of Multilateralism
In a fragmented world, Msgr. Pacho hailed the IAEA as a beacon of multilateralism. “The IAEA is the model of multilateralism,” he declared, underscoring its indispensable role in promoting global cooperation on nuclear safety and security. He urged member states to support the agency’s efforts to uphold rigorous standards and foster dialogue among nations.
Peaceful Nuclear Applications
While condemning nuclear weapons, Msgr. Pacho distinguished the responsible use of nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes, such as in medicine, agriculture, water management, climate change mitigation, and energy production. He stressed, however, that such applications must be governed by “robust regulatory frameworks” rooted in ethical principles, including safety, transparency, intergenerational justice, and environmental stewardship.
A Call for Global Responsibility
The Holy See’s address to the IAEA General Conference reflects a broader call for collective action in a world increasingly defined by division and conflict. By invoking the moral and ethical dimensions of nuclear policy, Msgr. Pacho sought to remind delegates of the profound human cost of failing to prioritize peace and cooperation. As the IAEA continues its mission to promote the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology, the Holy See’s message serves as a clarion call for renewed commitment to disarmament, dialogue, and the common good.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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