Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message at the 44th session of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Conference in Rome, condemning the use of hunger as a weapon of war. The conference, which runs from June 28 to July 4, marks the 80th anniversary of the FAO’s founding, an organization dedicated to combating food insecurity and malnutrition.
In his address, Pope Leo XIV expressed the Church’s unwavering support for efforts to eradicate global hunger, drawing a parallel with Jesus’ actions in feeding the multitudes. “We realize that the true miracle accomplished by Christ was to show that the key to defeating hunger lies more in sharing than in greedily hoarding,” he stated.
Hunger as a Weapon of War
The Pope lamented the ongoing suffering caused by hunger and malnutrition, despite abundant food production in certain regions. “We are now witnessing, with deep sorrow, the inhumane use of hunger as a weapon of war,” he said.
Starving civilian populations is a very cheap way to wage war.
Highlighting the shift in modern warfare, Pope Leo XIV noted that most conflicts are now fought by armed civilian groups rather than traditional armies. Tactics such as burning crops and obstructing humanitarian aid disproportionately impact civilians, exacerbating food insecurity and inflation.
Call for International Accountability
Pope Leo XIV urged the international community to establish clear boundaries and hold perpetrators accountable. “Political crises, armed conflicts, and economic disruptions play a central role in worsening the food crisis,” he warned. These factors hinder humanitarian efforts, disrupt local agriculture, and deny people the right to a dignified life.
The Pope emphasized the need to set aside selfishness and indifference in favor of dialogue and mutual understanding. He advocated for peace and stability as prerequisites for building resilient agrifood systems.
Interconnection of Climate Change and Food Systems
Addressing the intertwined nature of climate change and food systems, Pope Leo XIV called for a just ecological transition. “The social injustice caused by natural disasters and biodiversity loss must be reversed,” he stated, urging coordinated climate action to protect ecosystems and ensure food security.
He criticized the diversion of financial resources and innovative technologies towards arms production, noting that it promotes questionable ideologies and erodes social bonds.
As a result, questionable ideologies are being promoted, while human relationships grow cold, corroding communion and driving away fraternity and social friendship.
A Call to Action for Global Peace
Concluding his message, Pope Leo XIV invited individuals and nations to become “artisans of peace, working for the common good.” He called for setting aside empty rhetoric and addressing hunger with decisive political action. “To achieve this noble goal, I wish to assure you that the Holy See will always serve the cause of harmony among peoples,” he affirmed.
The Pope’s address underscores a critical moment for global leaders and organizations to unite in combating hunger and fostering peace. As the FAO Conference continues, the call for action resonates with participants, urging them to prioritize food security and humanitarian efforts over military expenditures.
