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At Nagasaki Ground Zero, Pope Calls for Abolishing Nuclear Weapons

Reuters

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

   He restated his support for a 2017 treaty to ban nuclear weapons agreed
   by nearly two-thirds of U.N. members, but opposed by big nuclear powers
   who say it could undermine nuclear deterrence, which they credit with
   averting conventional war.

   "The possession of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction is not
   the answer (to longings for peace)," Francis said, after having closed
   his eyes in prayer and lighting a candle in memory of the victims.

   "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.

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