In light of the systemic shocks caused by the war in the Middle East, the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation has called for immediate measures to protect vulnerable populations. Source: Vatican News.
The Holy See has expressed deep concern about the numerous crises affecting the people of the Middle East and Africa, which are having significant impacts on agro-food production systems.
The ongoing conflicts and severe weather events are pushing an increasing number of people into poverty, hunger, and food insecurity.
Archbishop Fernando Chica Arellano, the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the FAO, voiced this concern during the 38th session of the Regional Conference for the Middle East.
According to Archbishop Chica Arellano, “the rising costs of energy and fertilisers, coupled with uncertainty in supply chains, are driving up production costs and exacerbating food price volatility, particularly in vulnerable countries that depend on imports.”
“The escalation of the current conflict in the Middle East,” Archbishop Chica Arellano said, “will have consequences beyond borders and further worsen hunger worldwide, especially among the most vulnerable populations.”
Therefore, he stressed the urgent need to implement “a coordinated and multi-level political response to manage the crises we are facing, protect populations, and strengthen long-term resilience”.
He said “immediate measures must be taken to stabilise supply chains and long-term strategies focused on the resilience of sustainable national agriculture, renewable energy, and structural adjustments, in order to preserve global energy and food security”.
Archbishop Chica Arellano also reminded those present at the conference that, in the face of numerous factors of instability exacerbating poverty and food insecurity, Pope Leo XIV has consistently advocated for peace.
“The end of divisions and hostilities is essential to open pathways to peace, based on sincere dialogue and respect for the dignity of every person,” he stated, adding that “the challenge is also to alleviate the suffering of populations who, despite being innocent, tragically become victims of conflicts caused by others.”
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Holy See Permanent Obeserver to FAO: “Peace is essential to eradicate hunger” (By Davide Dionisi, Vatican News)
