Pope Francis warns against legalizing drugs

"Reducing drug addiction cannot be achieved by liberalizing drug use, which has been proposed or implemented in some countries," Pope Francis told a crowd during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican on Tuesday, a day designated by the United Nations as International Day Against Drug Abuse.

“At the same time, however, let us remember that each addict has a unique personal story and must be listened to, understood, loved, and, to the extent possible, healed and cleansed,” he said.

Pope Francis holds his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, June 26. Photo: Reuters

The Pope, who has spoken out against drug use in the past, added: "We cannot ignore the evil intentions and actions of drug traffickers. They are murderers."

Pope Francis, who is from Argentina, also condemned the "devastating impact" of drug production on the environment, saying it was "increasingly evident, for example in the Amazon basin" in Latin America.

Pope Francis, 87, did not distinguish between "soft drugs" such as marijuana, which has been legalized for recreational use in some countries and some US states, and "hard drugs" such as heroin and cocaine.

Several countries and US states have legalized or are in the process of legalizing marijuana in certain circumstances and in small amounts. In 2009, Argentina's Supreme Court declared the criminalization of drug possession for personal consumption unconstitutional and has moved to legalize the practice.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/giao-hoang-francis-canh-bao-ve-viec-hop-phap-hoa-ma-tuy-post300882.html