Speed Reads
Pope Francis in America
Pope Francis demands an end to the arms trade
During his historic address to a joint meeting of Congress, Pope Francis called for an end to the arms trade.
Why are deadly weapons being sold to those who plan to inflict untold suffering on individuals and society? Sadly, the answer, as we all know, is simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood. In the face of this shameful and culpable silence, it is our duty to confront the problem and to stop the arms trade. [Pope Francis, via Vox]
The message may have sat uncomfortably with Congress, as the U.S. is the world's largest exporter of weapons, but the remarks weren't too much of a surprise: Francis has previously blasted the arms trade as an "industry of death" and the "root of evil."