Offaly's Seamus Boland - EESC President – meets Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican

European Economic and Social Committee President Séamus Boland, from the Island, Ballycumber, had a substantive private audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Saturday morning to focus attention on the urgent need for poverty eradication, the safeguarding of democracy, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups across Europe.

'The European Union is one of the wealthiest regions in the world yet 21% of the population remains at risk of poverty and social exclusion,' said EESC President Boland. 'We are grateful to Pope Leo for using his powerful voice to spread a message of inclusion and the need to protect the most marginalized. The EU must listen, and we all must do better.'

President Boland highlighted the real-world challenges and emotional scars faced by younger generations who have been shaped by the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic and the pressures of social media. Speaking after the meeting, the President said: 'Homelessness, and the housing, cost of living and climate crises are very much felt and feared today, above all by the younger generations.'

'Addressing these, tackling youth mental health and fostering their civic engagement are essential to healing, and we very much welcome Pope Leo's work in this space, including his call for an emphasis on mental health ministry,' he added.

On the topic of migrants and refugees, President Boland said: 'We wholeheartedly concur with Pope Leo's call for kindness toward foreigners and will continue to advocate for coordinated, humane policies that uphold dignity, inclusion and the rule of law.'

READ NEXT: 'Extraordinary leadership' has ensured Tullamore Show's survival and growth

The rise of artificial intelligence also featured in their discussion. The EESC President emphasized that this must not come at the expense of workers' rights. He shares a commitment with Pope Leo XIV to ensuring that humans – not machines – remain in control of decisions that affect people’s lives, and that AI serves as a tool for empowerment rather than displacement.

The meeting underscored the vital role of civil society organizations in building bridges within communities and combating prejudice and discrimination – values shared by the EESC and the Holy See. 'Faith-based organizations, charities, community groups, and social partners are the fabric of our societies – knitting together individuals and communities and building bridges,' said President Boland.

'The path forward is clear,' President Boland concluded. 'If Europe chooses compassion, dignity, and inclusion, we will not only reduce poverty – we will renew hope, strengthen democracy, and build a fairer and better Europe for everyone.'

READ NEXT: Feast day of important seventh century Offaly saint to be marked