Envoy warns UN on danger of nuclear proliferation

The Vatican’s permanent observer to the United Nations reminded world leaders last week of the increasing dangers posed to the world by nuclear weapons, writes Ellen Teague.

Filipino Archbishop Bernardito Auza, addressing a UN session on nuclear weapons on 9 April, said the Church has been a consistent voice urging nuclear disarmament for more than 50 years. Archbishop Auza lamented the lack of acceptance of the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, which came into force in 1970.

Countries that possess nuclear weapons have added to their stockpiles, he said, while others work to develop nuclear capability. “What is even more terrifying”, the archbishop observed, “is the possibility that non-state actors … will acquire nuclear weapons.”