Boland visits Vatican to discuss poverty with Pope Leo XIV

European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) president Séamus Boland had a private audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, focusing attention on the need for poverty eradication, the safeguarding of democracy, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups across Europe.

The CEO of Moate-based Irish Rural Link was appointed to the role in Brussels in October outlining a mandate to be built on three pillars - a union of opportunities, a union of security and a union of resilience.

Mr Boland stated: "The European Union is one of the wealthiest regions in the world, yet 21% of the population remain at risk of poverty and social exclusion.

"We are grateful to Pope Leo for using his powerful voice to spread a message of inclusion and the need to protect the most marginalised. The EU must listen, and we all must do better."

Mr Boland highlighted the challenges and emotional scars faced by younger generations who have been shaped by the isolation of the Covid-19 pandemic and the pressures of social media.

Speaking after the meeting, he said the "homelessness, and the housing, cost of living and climate crises are felt and feared today, above all by the younger generations".

"Addressing these, tackling youth mental health and fostering their civic engagement are essential to healing, and we welcome Pope Leo's work in this space, including his call for an emphasis on mental health ministry."

On the topic of migrants and refugees, Mr Boland said he "wholeheartedly concurred with Pope Leo's call for kindness toward foreigners and will continue to advocate for coordinated, humane policies that uphold dignity, inclusion and the rule of law".

The rise of artificial intelligence also featured in their discussion. The EESC president emphasised that it can not come at the expense of worker rights.

He shares a commitment with Pope Leo XIV to ensuring that humans, not machines, remain in control of decisions that affect people’s lives, and that AI serves as a tool for empowerment rather than displacement.

The meeting underscored the role of civil society organisations in building bridges within communities and combating prejudice and discrimination, values shared by the EESC and the Holy See.

"Faith-based organisations, charities, community groups, and social partners are the fabric of our societies, knitting together individuals and communities and building bridges.

"The path forward is clear. If Europe chooses compassion, dignity, and inclusion, we will not only reduce poverty, we will renew hope, strengthen democracy, and build a fairer and better Europe for everyone," Mr Boland concluded.