On the eve of the expiration of the New START (New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty), the last treaty controlling strategic armaments and a fundamental agreement that has prevented a new course of nuclear proliferation, Pope Leo XIV invited world leaders to see that “this instrument not be abandoned without seeking to ensure its concrete and effective follow-up.” In the same appeal, at the end of the General Audience of 4 February 2026, the Holy Father renewed “encouragement of a constructive effort in favor of disarmament and reciprocal trust.”
Following the request of the Pope, the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development desires to share the results of the Nuclear Weapons Survey 2025 conducted by Pax Christi New England and published on 26 July 2025. The survey was conducted among citizens of the United States and Canada to gauge their awareness of matters of nuclear armaments, in order to promote greater involvement of persons in the active promotion of nuclear disarmament. The interviews were conducted among both Catholics and non-Catholics to have a diverse sample of opinions.
The results brought to light great concern for the threat of nuclear weapons and a strong sense of weakness in confronting the concept of deterrence. It emerged that the lack of public discussion in this regard discourages personal initiative. Nevertheless, about half of those interviewed said they would be willing to do more and become actively involved.
The survey suggests that the voices of great Catholic leaders, including the Pope and several Bishops, have strongly contributed to sensitizing public opinion and making manifest the need to hear more about nuclear disarmament. Undertaking such actions aimed through communications media, including film and talk shows, is one of the roads suggested to create awareness and obtain greater participation.
As Pope Leo XIV affirms in his appeal, it is “more urgent than ever to substitute the logic of fear and distrust with a shared ethos capable of guiding choices towards the common good and to make peace a treasure to be cherished by all.