Pope Leo XIV has called for renewed international commitment to combating hunger and promoting sustainable food systems, as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) marked its 80th anniversary on World Food Day.
In his address at the Vatican, the Pontiff emphasized that “food is not a privilege but a fundamental human right,” urging governments and global institutions to act decisively to end hunger and malnutrition affecting millions worldwide. He lamented that in a time of technological advancement, too many still go to bed hungry, describing it as a “scandal of our age.”
The Pope also linked food insecurity to conflict, environmental degradation, and economic inequality, calling for a “moral awakening” in how nations distribute resources. “We cannot claim to defend life while tolerating systems that deprive others of daily bread,” he said.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, in response, expressed gratitude to the Holy See for its moral leadership and echoed the need for collaborative global action to achieve the UN’s Zero Hunger goal. The ceremony brought together world leaders, diplomats, and representatives from various humanitarian organizations, who pledged to strengthen multilateral cooperation in addressing the root causes of food crises.
As wars, climate disasters, and inflation continue to strain food production and supply chains, Pope Leo XIV’s message stands as both a moral reminder and a diplomatic call to redouble efforts toward global food equity.
