Séamus Boland Engages Pope Leo XIV on Poverty and Migration

Poverty, artificial intelligence, 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 at the Vatican on March 23, 2024. Boland, a farmer and civil society activist from Ballycumber, Co Offaly, highlighted the pressing issues facing Europe today, including the staggering number of individuals experiencing poverty and social exclusion.

During the meeting, Boland shared that approximately 90 million people, or 21 percent of the European population, are currently affected by poverty. He emphasized the urgent need to rekindle discussions on poverty eradication initiatives that the EU had previously championed between 2010 and 2020. The EESC president noted that housing affordability remains a critical issue, particularly for young and older individuals, contributing to rising poverty levels.

Boland stated, “We in the EESC have called for the EU to declare an emergency in terms of housing,” pointing out that inadequate housing solutions can push individuals away from democratic institutions. He stressed that failing to address housing challenges could create an environment conducive to extremism, undermining the foundational principles of European unity.

The conversation also touched on the implications of artificial intelligence. Boland characterized AI tools, particularly those involved in creating deepfakes, as “the newest tragedy” affecting young people’s mental health on social media platforms. He reiterated the EU’s commitment to stringent regulations on AI, though he acknowledged the lack of global consensus on the issue.

“The mental health of young people is becoming a major issue,” Boland remarked, adding that Pope Leo XIV expressed empathy regarding the struggles facing the youth. Moreover, Boland cautioned against comparing AI to historical innovations like Gutenberg’s printing press, asserting that the current technological landscape necessitates immediate political action to safeguard workers’ rights.

“AI is a long way from perfection and can be unreliable,” he explained. “If we ignore the livelihoods of workers who lose their jobs because of AI, we are creating a spike in unemployment rates we’ve never known before.”

Boland’s visit also included a tribute to the ‘Angels Unaware’ sculpture in St Peter’s Square, which commemorates migrants and refugees. He praised the message conveyed by the monument, highlighting the importance of treating migrants with dignity. “Pope Leo XIV is on record saying we must be kind to foreigners,” Boland noted, advocating for a constructive dialogue on migration management.

“Managing migration badly can be a bigger threat to human dignity,” he remarked, underlining the need for policies that respect human rights. Boland stressed that migration has always been part of human life and that European countries require migrants to sustain their economies. He emphasized that it is essential to manage migration effectively to uphold dignity and rights rather than allowing uncontrolled systems that lead to exploitation.

Reflecting on their meeting, Boland conveyed a message aligned with his EESC mandate, focusing on the importance of including civil society in policymaking. He recounted how civil society organizations were quick to respond during recent natural disasters, emphasizing their role in planning and prevention rather than merely reacting to crises.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to address these critical issues, ensuring that the voices of civil society are integral to shaping European policies moving forward.