Archbishop Gallagher: States should renounce nuclear weapons

In his remarks at the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, calls for the responsible use of nuclear technology, which is “inseparable from the commitments and responsibilities that accompany it.”

The peaceful use of nuclear technology is possible, especially “in meeting increasing energy demand,” and serves as a significant example of how scientific progress can be harnessed for the benefit of humanity.

However, this is not always the case.

It is therefore crucial to remember that the responsible use of such tools comes with non-negotiable commitments and responsibilities: ensuring that development programs do not lead to the acquisition of nuclear weapons, protecting facilities in wartime, and applying artificial intelligence with an awareness of the associated risks and sound safety standards. 

These are the points Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, addressed in his remarks delivered on September 15, during the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which opened the day prior in Vienna, Austria and will continue through Friday, September 18.

An evolving reality, unchanged perspectives

Conveying Pope Leo XIV's best wishes for the conference, Archbishop Gallagher recalled the Holy See’s longstanding commitment—as one of the IAEA’s original signatories seventy years ago—based on the conviction that a technology with such vast potential as nuclear energy “must be guided by sound ethical principles, be used for the service of peace and integral human development, and be protected from any destructive use.”

Although geopolitical realities and the technology itself have evolved, the Vatican’s perspective remains unchanged—“the peaceful use of atomic energy must continue to be guided by those same enduring ethical principles.”

IAEA's unique role

The archbishop then emphasized the value of the peaceful use of nuclear technology as an application of scientific innovations in the service of the common good. However, it is essential to ensure that there is no discrimination in the ability to access its benefits. In this regard, through its technical cooperation program, capacity-building initiatives, and support for national institutions, the IAEA's unique role in strengthening countries' “capacity to utilize nuclear science and technology is a vital step towards sustainable development and reducing disparities among nations.”

The Agency’s efforts alone are not enough. Archbishop Gallagher pointed out that “the responsible exercise of the right to the peaceful use of nuclear technology is inseparable from the accompanying commitments and responsibilities – most importantly, the commitment of non-nuclear-weapon States not to acquire nuclear weapons.”

Safety and security in remembrance of Chernobyl

Marking the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, in which a nuclear reactor explosion caused extensive short- and long-term damage, the Vatican secretary emphasized “that the benefits of the peaceful use of nuclear technologies, particularly in meeting increasing energy demand, must always be balanced with responsibility, transparency, and a firm commitment to nuclear safety and security.”

In this regard, ensuring “the safety and physical protection of nuclear facilities is an urgent and shared concern, especially in situations of armed conflict.” Here too, the Holy See’s position remains unchanged: “attacks on nuclear facilities must never occur,” as they could lead to radioactive releases with serious humanitarian and environmental consequences, both within and beyond national borders.

The “recent troubling developments” at the international level, Archbishop Gallagher noted, further highlight the need to adopt “responsible and sustainable approaches to all nuclear activities, including uranium mining and the management of radioactive waste, while taking into account environmental protection, public health, and the well-being of current and future generations.”

Applying AI thoughtfully

The secretary also devoted a section of his speech to the use of artificial intelligence in the nuclear sector. The Holy See welcomes the IAEA’s initiatives, calling for careful ethical consideration and responsible governance. As Pope Leo XIV emphasized in his encyclical Magnifica humanitas: “If we focus solely on contingencies, we risk letting the succession of emergencies dictate the direction of our path.”

The application of AI in the nuclear sector, Archbishop Gallagher concluded, “should therefore be underpinned by consciousness of the risks involved, effective human oversight, robust safety and security standards, as well as strengthened international cooperation, so that these technologies may truly advance peace, security, human health and prosperity for present and future generations.”

Edoardo Giribaldi
Source: vaticannews.va/en