Séamus Boland Meets Pope Leo XIV to Address Poverty and AI

Séamus Boland, president of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on March 30, 2024. The discussions focused on pressing issues such as poverty, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), and migration challenges. Boland, a farmer and civil society activist from Ballycumber, Co Offaly, expressed that this meeting was “an extraordinary honour” and highlighted the Pope’s empathy on these critical matters.

During the meeting, Boland emphasized the urgent situation regarding poverty in Europe, where approximately 21% of the population, or around 90 million people, face poverty and social exclusion. He recalled that from 2010 to 2020, the European Union led significant initiatives aimed at eradicating poverty and urged for a renewed focus on this debate.

“We didn’t discuss housing today, but housing across Europe is causing enormous poverty among young, working people and older people,” Boland stated. He called for the EU to declare a housing emergency, warning that the inability to secure affordable housing could lead to increased extremism. He underscored the importance of addressing these issues to maintain public trust in democratic institutions.

The Impact of AI and Youth Mental Health

Boland also addressed the implications of AI, particularly concerning the creation of deepfakes, which he labeled “the newest tragedy” affecting young people on social media platforms. He noted that the EU has advocated for robust regulations concerning AI, although consensus on this issue remains elusive internationally.

“The mental health of young people is becoming a major issue,” he remarked, adding that the Pope expressed concern for youth facing such challenges. Furthermore, Boland highlighted the potential disruption AI could cause for workers, emphasizing the need for political leaders to act swiftly to manage employment transitions.

“We need a greater sense of urgency from political leaders around Europe,” he asserted, cautioning against over-reliance on AI, which could undermine professional standards in various fields. He pointed out that addressing the needs of displaced workers will require substantial resources for retraining and compensation.

Migration and Human Dignity

During his visit, Boland also praised the ‘Angels Unaware’ sculpture in St Peter’s Square, dedicated to migrants and refugees, which was unveiled by the late Pope Francis in 2019. He reiterated the Pope’s call for kindness towards foreigners and advocated for a comprehensive debate on migration management.

“Managing migration badly can be a bigger threat to human dignity,” he said, stressing that migration is a natural aspect of life that must be organized effectively. Boland argued that many European countries need migrants, but the current management systems often fall short, leading to violations of human dignity.

Reflecting on his meeting with the Pope, Boland conveyed the importance of integrating civil society into policymaking processes. He cited the recent response to Storm Éowyn, where civil society organizations played a crucial role in disaster management. “The place for civil society is not always at the end result, dealing with the disaster, but in the planning for the disaster,” he concluded.

This meeting signifies a critical exchange of ideas between civic leadership and spiritual authority, emphasizing the importance of addressing societal challenges through collaborative efforts.