Catholic attitudes to weapons of mass destruction

Overview

The harm such weapons do and the benefits claimed, Gaudium et Spes on destroying cities, Pope Francis and the Holy See against nuclear arms, and Deuteronomy 20 on offering peace and the environment in war.

What you need to know

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Questions from this subtopic

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1. 1

   What are weapons of mass destruction?

   Model answer

   Weapons of mass destruction can kill huge numbers of people and cause great destruction. Examples include nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.

2. 2

   What problems do weapons of mass destruction cause?

   Model answer

   Weapons of mass destruction kill civilians indiscriminately and can destroy whole cities. Nuclear weapons also poison the environment for generations.

3. 3

   What benefits do some people claim for weapons of mass destruction?

   Model answer

   Some argue that nuclear weapons deter attack, because no country dares start a nuclear war. Supporters say deterrence has helped prevent another world war since 1945.

4. 4

   What does Gaudium et Spes teach about weapons that destroy whole cities?

   Model answer

   The Council taught that attacking whole cities and their populations is a crime against God and humanity. The Church condemns such attacks firmly and without hesitation.

5. 5

   What has Pope Francis taught about nuclear weapons?

   Model answer

   Pope Francis taught in 2017 that even possessing nuclear weapons is to be condemned. Pope Francis called the use of atomic energy for war immoral when he visited Hiroshima in 2019.

6. 6

   How has the Holy See acted against nuclear weapons?

   Model answer

   The Holy See was among the first states to ratify the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The Church campaigns for complete nuclear disarmament.

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