Pope Leo XIV has called on the world to reject the illusion of security built on nuclear threats, as he marked the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Speaking at the end of his general audience in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday, the Pope reminded listeners of the lasting devastation caused by the use of nuclear weapons and urged a global commitment to peace, justice, and dialogue.
The anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, which occurred on 6 August 1945, serves as a solemn reminder of the human cost of war. Pope Leo also noted that in three days, the world will remember the bombing of Nagasaki, which followed on 9 August that same year.
“I assure all those who continue to suffer physically, emotionally, and socially from those tragic events of my prayers,” the Pope said. “Even after many years, these events remain a universal warning about the destruction caused by war, especially nuclear weapons.”
He expressed hope that today’s world, marked by division and conflict, will abandon reliance on the threat of mutual destruction, and instead turn to “the tools of justice, dialogue, and trust in fraternity.”
The Holy Father had also addressed the anniversary the previous day in a message to Bishop Alexis Mitsuru Shirahama of Hiroshima. The message, read during a Mass for peace by the apostolic nuncio in Japan, recalled the words of a hibakusha, a survivor of the atomic bombing, who said, “the person of love is the person of courage.”
Continuing his catechesis series on the theme “Jesus Christ, our hope,” the Pope turned his reflection towards the mystery of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. He focused on the importance of preparation, beginning with the question asked by the disciples in Mark 14:12: “Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?”
Pope Leo explained that this simple question carries deep meaning about the Christian life, an invitation to prepare our hearts as spaces where Christ can dwell. He noted that Jesus’ instructions to find a man carrying a jar of water, a rare sight in that time, highlight that nothing in the story is by chance. “Everything is already prepared,” the Pope said, “because God always goes before us.”
Reflecting on the Upper Room where the Last Supper took place, he said it symbolises the inner space within each believer. “Love is not accidental,” the Pope said. “It is a conscious choice that involves preparation, not a reaction of impulse.”
He added that the Eucharist is not only celebrated during liturgy, but also lived out in daily life. “Preparing to give thanks is not about doing more, but about making space, removing clutter, lowering false expectations, and becoming truly available.”
The Pope reminded the faithful that Christ prepared a meal of communion even for those who would soon betray or deny him. This, he said, shows the deep intention and mercy behind the gift of Christ’s life.
“As we prepare for the Lord’s Passover,” the Pope concluded, “every act of grace, every moment of forgiveness, every patient effort becomes a way to prepare a place for God to dwell.”
Adapted from AisaNews.it.
