Dr. Jim Muller (right) hosted a dinner gathering of his "Boston brain trust," a group of local physician activists including, from left, Dr. John O. Pastore; Molly McGinty, program director with the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War; and Dr. Joseph Hodgkin, Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility.Barry Chin/Globe Staff
Forty years ago, as idealistic young doctors, they ignited a movement that won the Nobel Peace Prize and helped rein in the menace of nuclear weapons. Now, in their golden years, with world tensions simmering and the danger of nuclear conflict resurfacing, they’re readying a campaign to do it again.
Dr. James Muller and a team of activists he calls the “Boston brain trust” are mobilizing at a time of wars in Ukraine and Iran, nuclear saber-rattling, the collapse of arms control, and the rise of a destabilizing new technology.
And they’re seeking help from a powerful ally: Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV blessed the faithful gathered in the square in front of the Apostolic Palace for the noon Angelus prayer in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, on July 20, 2025. Gregorio Borgia/Associated Press
Members of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War clasped hands at the group's Boston headquarters after the organization was awarded the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize. From left are: Eric Chivian, cofounder; John Pastore, secretary; Sidney Alexander, president of the US affiliate group Physicians for Special Responsibility; and cofounder James Muller. AP Photo/Paul R. Benoit
From left, Dr. Henry Abraham, Dr. John O. Pastore, Molly McGinty, Dr. Joseph Hodgkin, host Dr. Jim Muller, and Dr. Ira Helfand met at Muller's home in Newton.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
Pope Leo XIV attended the presentation of his first encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas," which focused on the rise of artificial intelligence in the Vatican on May 25.ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images
‘Humanity must prevail’
Children offered a message on their shirts during a protest of the Seabrook, N.H., nuclear plant on July 22, 1979. Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff
Haunted by the nuclear threat
Russian RS-24 Yars ballistic missiles rolled in Red Square during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow in 2020. Associated Press
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