Overview
- Pope Leo said healthcare must be accessible to the most vulnerable to uphold dignity and reduce the risk of conflict.
- He spoke at a healthcare conference organised by the World Health Organization and European bishops in Vatican City.
- The language marks a sharper stance than earlier papal appeals, with Pope Francis in 2021 urging systems be accessible to all and citing Italy’s model.
- He pressed European bishops to address widening gaps in care and called for communities of solidarity that care for everyone.
- The first pope from the United States, which lacks universal coverage, he has recently questioned whether Christian political leaders who start wars should examine their consciences, a remark some outlets framed as a veiled critique of President Donald Trump.