Pope Francis Denounces Legalization of Recreational Drugs

Pope Francis spoke out against the legalization of recreational drugs at a drug enforcement conference in Rome. The Catholic Church leader stated his opinion that drugs “are not only highly questionable from a legislative standpoint, but they fail to produce the desired effects.” 

According to Francis, allowing addicts access to drugs would be “a veiled means of surrendering to the phenomenon.” 

“Let me state this in the clearest terms possible. The problem of drug use is not solved with drugs!” Francis announced to the conference attendees. 

The Pope spent time with recovering addicts while serving as archbishop of Buenos Aires. He said that drugs lead to only negative results, such as social inequality and limited opportunities for youth. 

To denounce drugs, Francis said, “one has to say ‘yes’ to life, ‘yes’ to love, ‘yes’ to others, ‘yes’ to education, ‘yes’ to greater job opportunities. If we say ‘yes’ to all things things, there will be no room for illicit drugs, for alcohol abuse, for other forms of addiction.” 

Publication date: June 20, 2014