Pope Francis on a recent visit to Hiroshima and Nagasaki — the only cities to experience
hits by atomic bombs — said that the use of atomic energy for the purpose of war
is a crime against human dignity.
Pope Francis also declared that the resources spent on the so-called arms race should be spent on the environment and the millions of children and families living in inhumane conditions.
It is difficult to dispute these statements.
However, after a total of almost 40 years in Canada's military, I would like to say that the deterrent of atomic weapons have saved millions the indignity suffered by the 100,000 killed and the 400,000 injured by the use of the two atomic weapons dropped in 1945.
In closing, I would like to suggest that despite the loss of life and suffering experienced by the citizens of Japan, atomic energy has saved millions from the same fate.
The development and availability of atomic energy has in my mind prevented world wars many times over the past 75 years.
Colin Haynes,
St John's
Turning from nuclear message, Pope urges youth to fight for the earth
Pope Francis visits Japan, bearing anti-nuclear message
