US Bishops welcome Iran nuclear agreement

The adoption of a framework for Iran's nuclear program is a step "important in advancing a peaceful resolution of the serious questions that have been raised regarding Iran's nuclear program," said the bishop who chairs the Committee on International Justice and Peace Committee of the US bishops in letters to Secretary of State John Kerry and Congress.

"The alternative to an agreement leads toward armed conflict, an outcome of profound concern to the Church," wrote Bishop Oscar Cantú of Las Cruces, New Mexico. "We welcome the most recent step the United States and its international partners has taken with Iran. We encourage our nation to continue down this path. Now is the time for dialogue and building bridges which foster peace and greater understanding."

Bishop Cantú noted that Pope Francis prayed for the success of the framework as a step "toward a more secure and fraternal world," April 5, and that the bishops' International Justice and Peace Committee had long advocated for diplomacy and dialogue to ensure nuclear nonproliferation in Iran.

The letter to Secretary Kerry is available online: