“The use of food as a weapon of war is once again emerging from the scenes of conflict,” stated Pope Leo XIV during his address today at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquarters in Rome.
The Pontiff expressed concern that the global consensus condemning the deliberate use of hunger as a weapon appears to be eroding.
“There seems to be a growing distance from the understanding that intentionally causing hunger constitutes a crime,” he said. “The same applies to denying access to food as a means of targeting communities or even entire nations.”
Pope Leo reminded his audience that international law strictly prohibits—without exception—attacks against civilians and essential goods necessary for human survival.
“It pains us deeply to witness the continued use of this brutal strategy, which condemns men, women, and children to hunger,” he said. “This scandal must end. It is not enough to merely speak of solidarity—we must ensure food security, access to vital resources, and sustainable agricultural development.”
