Pope: War is gravest attack possible against life and public health

In a world consumed by conflicts, we must dedicate time and resources to promote life and health, while addressing inequalities by strengthening our understanding of the common good, Pope Leo  on Monday, February 16.

Today, we are faced with “wars that impact civilian structures, including hospitals, which constitute the most grave attacks that human hands can make against life and public health,” he said, in his address at the Vatican to the participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life.

“In a world scarred by conflicts, which consume enormous economic, technological, and organizational resources in the production of arms and other types of military equipment, it has never been more important to dedicate time, people, and expertise to safeguarding life and health.”

The Pontifical Academy for Life’s Plenary Assembly takes place in Rome on February 16-17 and focuses on the theme “Healthcare for all: Sustainability and equity.” 

Pope Leo expressed his appreciation for this theme. "It is often said that life and health are equally fundamental values for all, but this statement is hypocritical if, at the same time, we ignore the structural causes and policies that determine inequalities," he said.

“Despite declarations and statements to the contrary," he continued, "all lives are not equally respected, and health is neither protected nor promoted in the same way for everyone.”

He explained that “the situations in which communities find themselves,” in terms of their quality of health and life, “are the result of social and environmental policies,” which affect variables such as income, education or the neighborhood one lives in.

“When we look at life expectancy and the quality of health in different countries and social groups, we discover enormous inequalities,” he said.