Pope calls for halt to spread of nuclear weapons

CASTELGANDOLFO, Italy, July 29 (Reuters) Pope Benedict called for a halt to the spread of nuclear weapons today, saying nuclear technology should only be used for peaceful purposes.

Back from his mountain retreat in the Italian Dolomites, Pope Benedict reminded the faithul that the International Atomic Energy Agency was set up 50 years ago to the day to promote the peaceful use of nuclear science.

''The epochal changes of the past 50 years show how, in the difficult crossroads that humanity finds itself, the pledge to encourage the non-profileration of nuclear arms is always more real and urgent,'' he told a crowd gathered at his summer residence outside Rome.

''To promote a progressive and agreed nuclear disarmament and to favour the peaceful and assured use of nuclear technology for real development, respectful of the environment and always mindful of the most disadvantaged populations.'' The Pope made his comments as the United States and its allies accuse Iran of using its nuclear fuel enrichment programme to develop nuclear weapons.

Iran denies the charge and insists it is only for peaceful power generation.

REUTERS SM KN1738