In a message marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the
International Atomic Energy Agency, Pope Benedict pleaded for nuclear
disarmament but backed the increased peaceful use of nuclear energy to
promote development for the world's poor.Zenit reports that the pope noted that among its objectives, the IAEA seeks "to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health, and prosperity throughout the world."
"The Holy See, fully approving of the IAEA's goal, has been a member from the organisation's foundation and continues to support its activity," Pope Benedict said.
"The epochal changes of the last 50 years are
evidence of how, in the difficult crossroads at which humanity finds
itself, the commitment to encourage the nonproliferation of nuclear
arms, to promote a progressive and agreed-upon nuclear disarmament, and
to favour the peaceful and safe use of nuclear technology for authentic
development - respectful of the environment and always attentive to the
most disadvantaged populations - is always relevant and urgent," the
pope said.
Citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Pope
Benedict re-emphasised how in the place of "the arms race there must be
substituted a common effort to mobilise resources toward objectives of
moral, cultural and economic development, redefining the priorities and
hierarchies of values."
The Pope asked that "scientific and
technological knowledge be used with a sense of responsibility and for
the common good, in complete respect for international law."
In
his message the pope also condemned the kidnapping of innocent people
especially by armed militias, calling such abductions "criminal acts"
that violate human dignity and offend divine law.
However, Germany's opposition Green (Gruene) party responded with a strong worded criticism.
Green
party chief Reinhard Buetikofer was quoted as saying ironically that
the head of the Catholic church should be "promptly named the atomic
policy advisor of the federal (German) government".
He added
that the pope has discovered something that contemporaries with "less
metaphysical capabilities have so far searched in vain, namely the
alleged peaceful and secure use of atomic power".
Source: Cathnews
