Vatican City, February 22, 2024 – The President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Séamus Boland, met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican today, discussing critical issues facing Europe, including poverty, democracy, and the inclusion of vulnerable populations.
A Call for Compassion and Inclusion in a Wealthy Europe
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The meeting underscored the urgent need for the european Union to address social and economic disparities while upholding the dignity of all its citizens.
- Boland and Pope Leo XIV discussed poverty eradication and the protection of democracy.
- The EESC President highlighted the challenges faced by younger generations, including mental health concerns and the impact of social media.
- Both leaders emphasized the importance of humane policies regarding migrants and refugees.
- The discussion also touched upon the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and the need to protect workers’ rights.
“The European Union is one of the wealthiest regions in the world yet 21% of the population remains at risk of poverty and social exclusion,” Boland stated. “We are grateful to Pope Leo for using his powerful voice to spread a message of inclusion and protecting the most marginalised. The EU must listen, and we must do better.”
Boland, a farmer from Ballycumber, Co offaly, was elected the 35th president of the EESC in October of last year. The EESC, established in 1958, serves as a crucial consultative body within the EU, providing a platform for civil society, trade unions, employers, and farming groups to influence EU legislation. It assesses proposed laws and offers advice to the European Commission and Parliament.
Challenges Facing Younger Generations
During the meeting,Boland emphasized the unique difficulties confronting younger Europeans,shaped by the isolating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the pressures of social media. He noted that homelessness, housing crises, the rising cost of living, and climate change are notably acute concerns for this demographic.
“Homelessness, and the housing, cost of living and climate crises are very much felt and feared today, above all by the younger generations,” Boland said. “addressing these, tackling youth mental health and fostering their civic engagement are essential to healing, and we very much welcome Pope Leo’s work in this space through the Mental Health Ministry.”
Migrants,Refugees,and the Future of Work
The conversation also addressed the pressing issue of migration and refugees,with Boland expressing his full agreement with Pope Leo’s call for compassion and advocating for coordinated,humane policies that prioritize dignity,inclusion,and the rule of law. The leaders also explored the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, stressing the need to ensure it benefits workers rather than displacing them.
Boland underscored the shared commitment to maintaining human control over decisions impacting people’s lives, viewing AI as a tool for empowerment, not replacement. He believes that humans, not machines, should remain at the center of critical decision-making processes.
The Role of Civil Society
The meeting, according to Boland, highlighted the vital role of civil society organizations in fostering community cohesion and combating prejudice. He emphasized the importance of faith-based organizations, charities, community groups, and social partners as essential components of a thriving society.
“Faith-based organisations, charities, community groups, and social partners are the fabric of our societies – knitting together individuals and communities and building bridges,” Boland explained.
“the path forward is clear,” Boland concluded. “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.”
