Pope on 80th Hiroshima anniversary: Universal warning

At the conclusion of the general audience this August 6, Pope Leo XIV noted today's anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima. He said that the "threat of mutual destruction" is only an "illusory security." Yesterday, the Holy Father also noted the anniversary, with a message to the bishop of Hiroshima.

To him, he said, "Nuclear arms offend our shared humanity and also betray the dignity of creation, whose harmony we are called to safeguard."

Here is the text of his appeal at the general audience:

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Today marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of the Japanese city of Hiroshima, and in two days’ time we will remember that of Nagasaki. I wish to assure my prayers to all those who have suffered its physical, psychological and social effects.

Despite the passing of the years, those tragic events constitute a universal warning against the devastation caused by wars and, in particular, by nuclear weapons. I hope that in the contemporary world, marked by strong tensions and bloody conflicts, the illusory security based on the threat of mutual destruction may give way to the tools of justice, to the practice of dialogue, and to trust in fraternity.

In his August 5 message to Bishop Alexis Shirahama of Hiroshima, the Pope cited Pope Francis' frequent affirmation: War is always a defeat.

These anniversaries, he said, "urge us to reject the illusion of security founded on mutually assured destruction."

Here is the text of his message

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To the Most Reverend Alexis M. Shirahama
Bishop of Hiroshima

I offer cordial greetings to all gathered to commemorate the eightieth anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In a particular way, I express my sentiments of respect and affection for the hibakusha survivors, whose stories of loss and suffering are a timely summons to all of us to build a safer world and foster a climate of peace.

Though many years have passed, the two cities remain living reminders of the profound horrors wrought by nuclear weapons. Their streets, schools and homes still bear scars — both visible and spiritual — from that fateful August of 1945. In this context, I hasten to reiterate the words so often used by my beloved predecessor Pope Francis: “War is always a defeat for humanity.”

As a survivor from Nagasaki, Dr. Takashi Nagai wrote, “The person of love is the person of ‘bravery’ who does not bear arms” (Heiwato, 1979).  Indeed, true peace demands the courageous laying down of weapons — especially those with the power to cause an indescribable catastrophe. Nuclear arms offend our shared humanity and also betray the dignity of creation, whose harmony we are called to safeguard.

In our time of mounting global tensions and conflicts, Hiroshima and Nagasaki stand as “symbols of memory” (cf. Francis, Letter to the Most Reverend Alexis-Mitsuru Shirahama, Bishop of Hiroshima, 19 May 2023) that urge us to reject the illusion of security founded on mutually assured destruction. Instead, we must forge a global ethic rooted in justice, fraternity and the common good.

It is thus my prayer that this solemn anniversary will serve as a call to the international community to renew its commitment to pursuing lasting peace for our whole human family — “a peace that is unarmed and disarming” (First Apostolic Blessing “Urbi et Orbi”, 8 May 2025).

Upon all who mark this anniversary, I willingly invoke abundant divine blessings.

From the Vatican, 14 July 2025

LEO PP. XIV