Pope Leo urges Russia and the USA to renew the last treaty regarding nuclear weapons

During the weekly audience at the Vatican, Pope Leo, the first American pope, emphasized the importance of avoiding the expiration of the New START treaty, which regulates nuclear weapons and will expire on Thursday. He called on world leaders not to let this essential instrument expire, stressing that it is urgent to replace fear and distrust with a common ethic. The Pope mentioned that the expiration of the treaty would mark the end of over 50 years of restrictions on nuclear weapons, which could lead to a new arms race. Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed an informal extension of the treaty, but so far, American President Donald Trump has not responded.