Pope Leo says those who wage war are thieves stealing away our peaceful future

ROME, April 26 (Reuters) – Pope Leo on Sunday described those waging war and seizing the world’s resources as thieves robbing the world of a peaceful future and issued a warning about the use of nuclear energy on the anniversary of the Chernobyl reactor accident.

Ukraine marks the 40th anniversary of the world’s worst nuclear disaster on Sunday, amid fears that Russia’s four-year war could lead to a repeat of the tragedy.

In his weekly speech after the Angelus prayer, the Pope said that the Chernobyl accident left a mark on the collective conscience of humanity.

“This remains a warning about the use of increasingly powerful technologies,” said the pope, who just returned from a 10-day tour of four African countries.

“I hope that wisdom and responsibility will always prevail in all decision-making, so that atomic energy can always be used to support life and peace.”

Commenting on the Gospel of the day, which includes the metaphor of the sheep thief, Pope Leo stated that thieves take on many different appearances and listed “superficial lifestyles resulting from consumerism”, prejudices and false ideas as examples.

“And let’s not forget the thieves who, by plundering the world’s resources, waging bloody wars or breeding evil, take away from all of us the chance for a future of peace and tranquility,” he added.

Leo, the first US pope, drew the ire of President Donald Trump after becoming more outspoken against war and despotism.

(Reporting by Valentina Za; Editing by Aidan Lewis)