The Holy See has accompanied the FAO in its mission with deep conviction since it was first established, stressing the intrinsic link which exists between human dignity and access to basic rights. Among these rights, perhaps none is as intrinsically linked to the right to life as the right to food. Indeed, food is not merely a commodity, but a universal right to be promoted and guaranteed through solidarity and ethical responsibility.
Special Address by H.E. Archbishop Ettore Balestrero,
Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations
and Other International Organizations in Geneva, at the launch of the exhibition:
“FAO at 80: A Legacy of Action, A Future of Innovation Exhibition”
Geneva, 9 October 2025
Mr. Deputy-Director General Maurizio Martina,
Excellencies, distinguished delegates,
The Holy See is honored to co-sponsor this commemoration of the 80th Founding Anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in recognition and appreciation of its vital work to seek adequate responses to the problem of food insecurity and malnutrition, which sadly remain among the greatest challenges of our time.
The theme of this exhibition, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”, is a testament of our collective resolve to shape a world where bread is shared, our planet is protected, and no one is left behind in hunger. At the same time, it is also a solemn reminder of the continuing tragedy of widespread hunger, which still afflicts many countries today and urges our collective effort to deepen solidarity and strengthen cooperation in building a future marked by dignity and hope. Pope Leo XIV, in his just released Apostolic Exhortation on poverty, recalls the teaching of Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, who insisted on the ethical requirement to share material goods: “What you give to the poor is not your property, but theirs. Why have you appropriated what was given for common use?”[1]
The Holy See has accompanied the FAO in its mission with deep conviction since it was first established, stressing the intrinsic link which exists between human dignity and access to basic rights. Among these rights, perhaps none is as intrinsically linked to the right to life as the right to food. Indeed, food is not merely a commodity, but a universal right to be promoted and guaranteed through solidarity and ethical responsibility.
In our present world, torn by armed conflicts and violence, plagued by violations of international humanitarian law and sometimes even by the iniquitous use of starvation as a weapon of war, we all need to join forces. Today, on the occasion of this enriching and inspired exhibition, let us unite hand in hand not to fight one another, but to fight hunger all together! Thank you.