Pope urges abolition of nuclear weapons at Nagasaki ground zero

Pope Francis, speaking in one of only two cities hit by atomic bombs in history,...

NAGASAKI, Japan - Pope Francis, speaking in one of only two cities hit by atomic bombs in history, appealed on Sunday for the abolition of nuclear weapons, saying their mere possession was perverse and indefensible.

“Our world is marked by a perverse dichotomy that tries to defend and ensure stability and peace through a false sense of security sustained by a mentality of fear and mistrust,” he said in a somber voice, amid driving rain and strong wind. Nagasaki was the second city hit by an atomic bomb during World War Two. Later on Sunday, the pope was due to visit Hiroshima, site of the first blast, which instantly killed about 78,000 people.

Resources spent on the “arms race” should be used for development and protection of the environment, instead. Last August, the United States pulled out of one landmark strategic arms accord, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty , citing violations by Russia that Moscow denies.

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