22 April 2025
We mourn the passing of Pope Francis, a steadfast voice for peace in a fractured world. Throughout his leadership, he championed the cause of nuclear disarmament, calling these weapons a threat not only to humanity but to the moral fabric of our global community—a commitment powerfully underscored by his historic visit to Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 2019.
His unwavering dedication to dialogue across divides—between nations, faiths, and peoples—offered a path away from violence and toward reconciliation. In his call for a world free from the shadow of war and the peril of nuclear arms, Pope Francis reminded us that true peace is built on justice, compassion, and the courage to listen. His legacy will endure as a beacon of hope for all who seek a safer, more humane world.
Hussain Al-Shahristani, President
Karen Hallberg, Secretary General
Tatsujiro Suzuki, Chair Executive Committee
Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs 