Nagasaki Catholic Peace Forum
The Nagasaki Catholic Peace Forum (CPF), held on August 10 in Nagasaki, brought together Catholic organizations in a unified effort to promote peacebuilding and nuclear disarmament across Asia and the world
The CPF aligns with Catholic social teachings, including Laudato Si’ (2015), Fratelli Tutti (2020), the Pope’s World Peace Day messages and what he said, during the 2024 audience to the Diplomatic Corps “.. Among the threats caused by these instruments of death, I cannot fail to mention those produced by nuclear arsenals and the development of increasingly sophisticated and destructive weapons. Here, I once more affirm the immorality of manufacturing and possessing nuclear weapons. In this regard, I express my hope for the resumption, at the earliest date possible, of negotiations for the restart of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, better known as the “Iran Nuclear Deal,” to ensure a safer future for all….”
The Catholic Peace Forum is a collaborative initiative by Pax Christi Korea, Pax Christi USA, Pax Christi International, and Pax Romana International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS), along with the International Youth Training Center (IYTC), in partnership with the Archdiocese of Nagasaki, Japan, as the local host.
The forum served as a dynamic platform to address global peace challenges and featured insightful sessions on topics such as emerging peace challenges, the role of youth in peace efforts, and Catholic initiatives for nuclear disarmament.
The expected outcome of the forum “2024 Nagasaki Appeal for Peace” was introduced but formally will be adopted at the end of August and presented to Pope Francis on September 20, during the 100th anniversary of Pax Romana. It is a common action plan for peacebuilding, including nuclear disarmament in Asia and globally. This plan will align with the Partnership for a World without Nuclear Weapons (PWNW) and the Joint Statement of Pax Christi Korea and the USA.
Images
- Photo by Tayawee Supan on Unsplash