Russia-US, Pope: “Do not let the New Start treaty lapse, ensure its continuation”

Vatican City (Vatican), Feb. 4 (LaPresse) – At the end of the Wednesday general audience, Pope Leo XIV issued “a pressing appeal” to “not let the New Start treaty” signed by the US and Russia in 2010 “lapse.” The Pope stressed that this instrument “represented a significant step to curb the proliferation of nuclear weapons.” Prevost then “renewed encouragement for every constructive effort in favor of disarmament and mutual trust.” For the Pope, it is necessary to guarantee New Start “a concrete and effective follow-up.” “The current situation demands doing everything possible to avert a new arms race that further threatens peace among Nations. It is more urgent than ever to replace the logic of fear and distrust with a shared ethic, capable of guiding choices toward the common good and of making peace a heritage safeguarded by all,” the pontiff added, who finally turned his thoughts “to the brothers and sisters of Ukraine severely tested by the consequences of the bombings that have resumed striking even energy infrastructures.” The Pope, again with regard to the Ukrainian situation, expressed “gratitude for the initiatives of solidarity promoted by the Catholic dioceses of Poland and other countries that are working to help the population endure this time of great cold.”