Pope Leo on Wednesday urged the United States and Russia to renew the New START nuclear treaty. He warned the world faces a critical moment as the pact nears expiration. The pope called for immediate steps to prevent a renewed arms race and growing instability.
During his weekly audience at the Vatican, Pope Leo stressed the moral responsibility of global powers. He said leaders must prioritize the common good over fear and distrust. “This moment calls for doing everything possible to avert a new arms race,” he added.
Read more: Nuclear clock ticks as US and Russia face arms free future
The New START treaty, signed in 2010, limits strategic nuclear weapons deployment by both countries. It is set to expire Thursday, leaving no binding restrictions afterward. Arms control advocates fear this could destabilize global security significantly.
Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested an informal one-year extension in September. However, US President Donald Trump had not responded as of Wednesday. Pope Leo described his appeal as “urgent” to prevent the treaty from lapsing and ending decades of formal nuclear constraints.
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Analysts warn that expiration would mark the end of more than 50 years of arms control agreements. The pope emphasized that a shared ethical approach is essential for peace. Leaders now face pressure to act quickly to maintain global stability.