Pope Leo XIV emphasized the urgent need to combat hunger and malnutrition during his visit to the UN World Food Programme’s headquarters in Rome on June 22, 2026. He commended WFP for its vital role in saving lives during emergencies and supporting vulnerable populations in conflict zones.
The pontiff criticized how political decisions and ideologies obstruct aid efforts, claiming it is easier to feed conflicts than people, indicative of a deeper imbalance in priorities. He warned that hunger not only poses humanitarian challenges but also threatens global stability by exacerbating conflicts and driving forced migration.
He cautioned against the commodification of essential resources, stating that food, water, and health care should not be subject to market fluctuations or geopolitical interests. Leo XIV's remarks were met with a lengthy applause from attendees, signaling a shared commitment to fighting these pressing global issues.