Pope condemns use of hunger as weapon of war at FAO conference

Pope Leo XIV has strongly denounced the use of hunger as a weapon of war and urged global leaders to prioritise food security over arms production, in a message delivered to the 44th session of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) conference currently underway in Rome.

Addressing the FAO as it marks its 80th anniversary, Pope Leo XIV called on the international community to take decisive action against the deliberate use of famine and food insecurity in modern conflict zones, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“We are now witnessing, with deep sorrow, the inhumane use of hunger as a weapon of war,” said the Pope. “Starving civilian populations is a very cheap way to wage war.”

He stated that political crises, armed conflicts, and economic disruptions play a central role in worsening the food crisis.

“They hinder humanitarian aid, undermine local agricultural production, and deprive people not only of access to food, but also of the right to live a life of dignity and opportunity," the Pope said. 

Highlighting the growing impact of non-state armed groups in conflict areas, the Pope criticised tactics such as crop destruction and the obstruction of humanitarian assistance, which disproportionately affect civilians. He warned that these conditions drive inflation and prevent farmers from sustaining their livelihoods, exacerbating hunger across vulnerable populations.

The Pope's message was rooted in a call for global solidarity and moral responsibility in addressing hunger. He lamented that despite excess food production in some regions, millions around the world still suffer from hunger and malnutrition.

“Many people still suffer cruelly and yearn for their needs to be met,” the Pope noted.

Calling for urgent action, Pope Leo emphasised the importance of dialogue, peace, and ecological justice in the fight against hunger. 

“The social injustice caused by natural disasters and biodiversity loss must be reversed to achieve a just ecological transition, one that places both the environment and people at the center,” he said.

He also criticised global spending priorities, warning that resources are being funneled into weapons manufacturing rather than solutions to poverty. “As a result, questionable ideologies are being promoted, while human relationships grow cold, corroding communion and driving away fraternity and social friendship.”

Pope Leo concluded by urging all stakeholders to act with determination and compassion: “To achieve this noble goal, I wish to assure you that the Holy See will always serve the cause of harmony among peoples and will not grow weary of contributing to the common good of the family of nations, especially with regard to those most afflicted and those who suffer from hunger and thirst.”

The FAO Conference runs from June 28 to July 4 in Rome.

By Sabina Mammadli