Pope Francis delivered a strong rebuke against the legalization of drugs and denounced drug traffickers as "murderers," urging support and compassion for those struggling with addiction.
Every Addict Is Unique
Speaking at his weekly audience in St. Peter's Square in Rome, the Pontiff argued that reducing drug dependence cannot be achieved through liberalizing drug consumption, dismissing such approaches as illusory.
"While every addict has a unique personal story that deserves to be heard, understood, loved, and where possible, healed and purified, reducing drug dependence cannot be achieved through the liberalization of drug use - this is an illusion," Pope Francis emphasized on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking designated by the United Nations.
No Distinction between "Soft" and "Hard" Drugs
The 87-year-old Pope did not differentiate between so-called "soft" drugs like marijuana, which has been legalized for recreational use in several countries and U.S. states, and "hard" drugs such as heroin and cocaine.
He unequivocally condemned the harmful intentions and actions of drug sellers and traffickers, labeling them as "murderers," underscoring the Vatican's stance against the devastating impact of drug production on the environment, particularly in regions like the Amazon basin in Latin America.
Calls for Compassion and Environmental Awareness
Pope Francis, originally from Argentina, also highlighted the destructive impact of drug production on the environment, noting its increasingly evident consequences in the Amazon basin.
His remarks underscored the Vatican's firm stance against drug trafficking and its call for compassion, understanding, and action to support individuals affected by addiction while advocating for environmental stewardship globally.
The Pontiff's comments reflect ongoing global debates surrounding drug policy and the ethical considerations of legalization versus criminalization.
