Séamus Boland Discusses Poverty, AI, and Migration with Pope Leo XIV

Poverty, artificial intelligence (AI), and migration were at the forefront of discussions during a meeting between Séamus Boland, president of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican on Saturday. Boland, a farmer and civil society activist from Ballycumber, Co Offaly, described the encounter as an “extraordinary honour,” highlighting the Pope’s empathy regarding critical social issues.

Boland, who took office in October 2022 for a term of two-and-a-half years, emphasized that the EESC serves as a platform for trade unions, employers, and civil society organizations to influence EU policy. He remarked on the urgent nature of poverty, citing that approximately 21% of people in Europe, or around 90 million, currently face poverty and social exclusion. “We need to rekindle the debate on poverty,” he stated, recalling the EU’s significant efforts to combat poverty between 2010 and 2020.

Housing Crisis and Its Implications

During the conversation, Boland pointed out the pressing issue of housing in Europe, which he noted contributes significantly to poverty among both young and older individuals. He stated, “We in the EESC have called for the EU to declare an emergency in terms of housing.” He warned that failure to address this crisis could alienate citizens from democratic institutions, stating, “We’re driving people away because we’re not delivering, and that really needs to be tackled.”

Boland stressed that the lack of affordable housing creates an environment conducive to extremism, further complicating the social landscape of Europe. He urged that real measures must be implemented by both EU member governments and the European Commission to rectify the situation.

AI Regulation and Youth Mental Health

The discussion also touched on the rapid advancements in AI technology, which Boland described as presenting “the newest tragedy,” particularly concerning the proliferation of deepfake technology and its impact on young people. He communicated the EESC’s strong support for rigorous AI regulation, while acknowledging that such consensus is still lacking on a global scale.

“The mental health of young people is becoming a major issue,” Boland said, noting the Pope’s understanding of the challenges facing younger generations. He highlighted that the advancement of AI poses risks not only to individual livelihoods but to various professional sectors, including health care and journalism. “We need a greater sense of urgency from political leaders around Europe,” he insisted, warning that neglecting the implications of AI could lead to unprecedented levels of unemployment.

Boland rejected comparisons of AI to the revolutionary impact of the printing press, emphasizing that the challenges posed by AI require immediate and comprehensive political engagement to ensure a balanced transition for the workforce.

The Importance of Migration Management

During his visit, Boland also expressed admiration for the “Angels Unaware” sculpture located in St Peter’s Square, which commemorates migrants and refugees. He reiterated the need for meaningful discussions around migration management, reflecting on the Pope’s advocacy for kindness towards foreigners.

“Managing migration badly can be a bigger threat to human dignity,” he noted, asserting that migration has always been a natural part of human life. He called for a more structured approach to migration policies, ensuring the upholding of human rights and dignity for migrants. “What we don’t need is uncontrolled management of the system,” he cautioned, emphasizing the necessity to protect the dignity of those seeking refuge.

Reflecting on the meeting, Boland conveyed a message aligned with his mandate to integrate civil society more deeply into policymaking. He shared insights from recent events, such as Storm Éowyn, emphasizing the role of civil society organizations in disaster response. “The place for civil society is not always at the end result,” he said, advocating for their involvement in proactive planning to mitigate future crises.

This meeting with Pope Leo XIV marks a significant moment for Boland as he continues to champion issues of poverty, AI regulation, and migration on behalf of the European Economic and Social Committee, advocating for policies that prioritize human dignity and social justice.