Pope Leo XIV delivered a strong denouncement on Sunday, April 26, characterizing those who instigate conflicts and exploit the planet's natural wealth as "thieves" actively stealing a secure and tranquil future from humanity.
The Pontiff's observations, made during his regular Angelus address, occurred on the 40th anniversary of the devastating Chornobyl nuclear accident.
Recalling the anniversary of the 1986 reactor explosion, the Pope emphasized that the Chornobyl tragedy serves as an indelible mark on the collective human memory.
He underscored that the incident remains a potent caution against the utilization of increasingly potent technologies, especially given the current conflict in Ukraine and the associated risks to contemporary nuclear facilities.
"I hope that at all decision-making levels, wisdom and responsibility always prevail, so that atomic power can always be used to support life and peace," the Pope stated, reflecting on his recent extensive visit to four African nations.
Extending the Gospel's analogy of a sheep thief, Pope Leo broadened the definition to encompass various forces that "plunder" the world. He identified consumerist lifestyles, entrenched prejudices, and violent conflicts as the principal agents diminishing the world's prospects for stability.
Pope Leo, who holds the distinction of being the first American pontiff, has consistently voiced opposition to authoritarianism and armed conflict. His recent public statements have notably drawn criticism from then-U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling a period of heightened diplomatic friction between the Vatican and the White House concerning global policy and environmental conservation.
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