Pope Leo XIV Emphasizes the Fight Against World Hunger
On Monday, Pope Leo XIV addressed the critical issue of world hunger during a visit to the Rome headquarters of the World Food Program (WFP). He highlighted how food insecurity can foster conflicts and wars, and moreover, it “facilitates forced migration.”
While the Pope’s remarks often focus on the need to restructure global humanitarian aid systems for wider access, his mention of forced migration points to a specific concern he’s emphasized over the past year. Throughout various international forums, leaders within the Catholic Church have denounced human traffickers involved in illegal mass migration and have urged individuals in conflict zones to stay and help promote peace in their own countries. Just recently in Spain, the Pope articulated that people should have a “right not to have to migrate” and urged governments to enhance efforts in safeguarding that right.
The Pope’s comments were made during his visit to WFP, a UN division responsible for global food aid distribution.
The Nobel Committee awarded WFP the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize due to its operations in 88 countries, especially as the pandemic led to many governments adopting strict measures, infringing on civil rights. Even with its extensive efforts in feeding civilians in conflict zones, WFP has faced its share of scandals, including accusations of sexual misconduct and corruption.
Despite these challenges, the Pope praised WFP’s commitment to reaching some of the most vulnerable populations, voicing concern about a global governance structure that favors “feeding” conflicts over feeding people.
Pope Leo remarked, “There exists unprecedented global productive capacity alongside growing regions of extreme fragility, yet there’s a rising risk that humanitarian issues may be pushed to the back burner in international priorities.”
He urged governments to simplify bureaucratic processes so that transparency and accountability benefit those in need rather than obstruct aid. Additionally, he called for WFP to deepen its collaboration with the Vatican, recognizing the Church’s significant role in humanitarian efforts.
In his address to government leaders, Pope Leo explained why tackling hunger should be prioritized over other political concerns.
“Hunger is not merely a humanitarian issue; it erodes social cohesion, escalates conflict risks, and drives forced migration,” he asserted. “It also hinders states and societies in their quest for stable institutions, effective education, and sustainable economic growth.”
The Pope appealed, “I implore the governments and peoples of the world to renew and amplify their endeavors, to provide more resources for combating hunger and its root causes, while dismantling barriers that prevent aid from reaching those in need. Concurrently, such efforts ought to enhance engagement with the Church and civil society. Uniting the capacities of all these entities together will significantly amplify our collective impact against hunger.”
Pope Leo’s visit to WFP follows two significant international trips he undertook in the last year—one recently to Spain and another to Turkey and Lebanon in late 2025, during which he emphasized fighting poverty and addressing mass migration, urging leaders in troubled areas to create conditions that would allow their citizens, particularly youth, to stay in their home countries.
In mid-June, during his stay in Spain’s Canary Islands, Pope Leo had strong words for human traffickers, urging them to “stop” and “repent.”
He warned, “You will face divine justice for the lost lives and the families deceived.”
While advocating for a “right not to migrate,” he also stressed that governments must create environments that avert migrant crises. “While one has the right to seek refuge when faced with danger, they also possess the right not to relocate,” he said. “The right to remain in one’s own home, free from hunger, conflict, persecution, violence, and corruption, is vital for a secure future.”
During his December visit to Lebanon, Pope Leo reiterated that the Church opposes forcing anyone to leave their home country.
“Sometimes fleeing or relocating seems like the easier option,” he noted. “However, true courage involves staying or returning home, believing that even the toughest situations merit love and commitment.”
