ROME (CNS): A leading Vatican official expressed support for the development of a nuclear energy program in Iran, as long as it serves peaceful purposes.
“Nuclear energy is something that can do good for humanity” – a principle that “is certainly valid for Iran, too”, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace Cardinal Renato Martino said.
Cardinal Martino spoke on October 23 at an inter-religious gathering in Naples, Italy.
His remarks, reported by the Italian news agency ANSA, came as Iranian and European officials met in Rome to try and resolve growing tensions over Iran’s nuclear capability.
Cardinal Martino defended the right to develop a peaceful nuclear energy program, and said any risks of improper use of nuclear technology “depend on the intentions of those who manage the program”.
The Iranian Government, however, has not changed its basic position: that it will proceed with a uranium enrichment program for what it says are strictly civilian uses.
The United States and other countries suspect Iran is using the technology to develop nuclear weapons, and have called for tougher international sanctions against Iran.
Pope Benedict XVI, marking the 50th anniversary of the International Atomic Energy Agency last July, said the Vatican fully approves the agency’s efforts to promote the elimination of nuclear weapons and encourage “the peaceful and safe use of nuclear technology for authentic development”.
