Séamus Boland Meets Pope Leo XIV to Discuss Poverty and Migration

European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) president Séamus Boland held a significant meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on March 16, 2024. During their discussion, they addressed critical issues including poverty, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), and migration challenges facing Europe. Boland, a farmer and seasoned civil society advocate from Ballycumber, Co Offaly, emphasized the urgent need to tackle these subjects at a pivotal moment for the continent.

Boland, who began his term in the EESC in October 2023, described the audience with the Pope as “an extraordinary honour.” He noted that Pope Leo XIV displayed a deep empathy for the various topics they explored. “I met a very human Pope, a person who seriously cares about people in disadvantage,” Boland stated. He further reflected on the Pope’s understanding of his mandate to integrate civil society more deeply into European policy-making.

Poverty and Housing Crisis in Europe

The conversation highlighted the pressing issue of poverty, with current estimates indicating that 21% of the European population, equating to approximately 90 million people, face poverty and social exclusion. Boland recalled a significant period from 2010 to 2020 when the EU made considerable strides in poverty eradication, stressing the need to rekindle this important debate.

He pointed out that while housing was not the primary focus of their discussion, it remains a critical factor contributing to poverty, particularly among young and older workers across Europe. Boland urged the EU to declare a housing emergency, asserting, “The reality for people who can’t afford housing is that they are the fertile ground for extremism.” He warned that failure to address housing issues could alienate citizens from democratic institutions, undermining the EU’s identity as a peace project.

AI’s Impact on Society and Employment

The conversation also ventured into the realm of technology, where Boland expressed concerns regarding the rapid advancement of AI. He described the misuse of AI tools, such as deepfakes, as “the newest tragedy,” particularly for young people navigating social media. He conveyed the EU’s strong stance on the need for robust AI regulation, although he acknowledged the lack of global consensus on the issue.

“The mental health of young people is becoming a major issue, and again, the Pope shared empathy on the plight of young people in those circumstances,” Boland remarked. He also noted that AI presents significant challenges for workers, particularly as the technology evolves. Comparing AI to historical technological advancements, Boland rejected the notion that it is akin to the printing press, emphasizing the urgent need for political leaders to manage the transition effectively.

He warned, “AI is a long way from perfection and can be unreliable,” advocating for substantial resources to be allocated for worker compensation and re-education. Ignoring the implications for workers could lead to unprecedented unemployment rates, he cautioned.

Migration and Human Dignity

During his visit, Boland took the opportunity to commend the ‘Angels Unaware’ sculpture in St Peter’s Square, which honors migrants and refugees. Unveiled by the late Pope Francis in 2019, the sculpture serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion for those in need. Boland highlighted the Pope’s belief that kindness towards foreigners is essential, reinforcing the EESC’s call for a comprehensive debate on migration.

He articulated the notion that poorly managed migration could pose a greater threat to human dignity. “We must accept that many countries in Europe need migrants,” Boland stated. He underscored the necessity of managing migration responsibly to ensure the dignity and rights of individuals are upheld, rather than allowing uncontrolled practices that result in substandard living conditions.

Reflecting on the meeting, Boland conveyed that he successfully communicated the importance of incorporating civil society into policymaking processes. He mentioned his discussion about Storm Éowyn, emphasizing that civil society organizations were often first responders during emergencies. Boland concluded that civil society should play a proactive role in disaster planning, rather than merely addressing the aftermath.

The insights shared during Boland’s meeting with Pope Leo XIV signify a crucial dialogue on some of the most pressing issues facing Europe today, underscoring the necessity for collaborative efforts to address these challenges effectively.