Pope Benedict XVI remembers Chernobyl nuclear disaster

Apr 26, 2006, 13:10 GMT

Vatican City - Pope Benedict XVI recalled the Chernobyl nuclear disaster during his traditional mid-week general audience in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday, saying nuclear energy should serve peace and respect nature.

'Today is the 20th anniversary of the tragic accident that took place in Chernobyl's nuclear power station,' Benedict told some 50,000 faithful gathered in Rome's famous square.

'While we once again pray for the victims of such a huge calamity and for those that carry its marks on their bodies, we invoke from Our Lord the light for those who are responsible for the destiny of humanity, so that they may together place energy at the service of peace, in the respect of human needs and of nature,' Benedict said.

Benedict's statement appeared to be in part directed at current efforts by Iran to equip itself with nuclear weapons.

The 79-year-old pope also praised families and organizations around the world that had taken care of adults and children affected by the worst nuclear disaster in history.

While estimates vary, it is believed that the Chernobyl disaster killed between 50,000 and 100,000 people and left up to 900,000 invalids.