Séamus Boland Engages Pope Leo XIV on Poverty, AI, and Migration

On Saturday, Séamus Boland, president of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican to discuss pressing issues such as poverty, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), and migration. Boland, a farmer and civil society activist from Ballycumber, Co Offaly, expressed that meeting the Pope was “an extraordinary honour.”

During the audience, Boland highlighted the urgency of tackling poverty, noting that approximately 21% of people in Europe, which translates to around 90 million individuals, currently face poverty and social exclusion. He recalled a significant period from 2010 to 2020 when the European Union made substantial efforts towards poverty eradication. “This is a debate that needs to be rekindled again,” he said, emphasizing the necessity for action in addressing societal disparities.

Urgent Housing Crisis and Its Ramifications

While housing was not a primary topic of discussion during the meeting, Boland underscored its critical role in the poverty crisis. He called for the EU to declare a housing emergency, citing the severe implications for young and older people alike. “The reality for people who can’t afford housing is that they are the fertile ground for extremism,” he stated. Boland asserted that failing to provide adequate housing could alienate citizens from democratic institutions, urging governments to prioritize these essential needs.

He remarked on the paradox of Europe being recognized as the largest peace project globally, yet failing to meet basic needs of its citizens. “If current governments don’t deliver real measures to get people back into housing, we are going to drive them away from democratic institutions,” he added.

The Challenges of AI and Mental Health

The conversation also delved into the complexities surrounding AI, which Boland characterized as “the newest tragedy” due to the rise of deepfake technology. He expressed concern over its detrimental effects on young people’s mental health, a sentiment echoed by the Pope. Boland noted that the EU supports stringent regulations on AI, although global consensus remains elusive.

He cautioned against comparing AI to historical innovations like Gutenberg’s printing press, stressing the unique challenges it poses to employment. “AI is a long way from perfection and can be unreliable,” he stated. Boland emphasized the need for urgent political action to manage the transition in employment, highlighting that neglecting workers displaced by AI could lead to unprecedented unemployment rates.

Migration: A Matter of Human Dignity

Boland also took the opportunity to commend the ‘Angels Unaware’ sculpture located in St Peter’s Square, which honors migrants and refugees. He reiterated the late Pope Francis’s message about the necessity of kindness towards foreigners, urging a constructive debate on migration management.

“Managing migration badly can be a bigger threat to human dignity,” he asserted, underlining that migration has been an integral part of human history. Boland insisted that many European countries require migrants, but stressed the importance of maintaining respect for their dignity and rights. “It’s not something to be banned, but it is something to be managed,” he emphasized.

Reflecting on the significance of his audience with Pope Leo XIV, Boland expressed his commitment to integrating civil society into policymaking processes. He shared an example of how civil society organizations were pivotal in response to Storm Éowyn, indicating that their role should extend beyond disaster recovery to proactive planning.

The meeting not only highlighted critical societal issues but also reinforced the shared responsibility of leaders and organizations in addressing these challenges effectively.