New York, 25 September 2026

“Fostering a multilateral and intergenerational approach to prevent, prepare for and respond to pandemics and public health emergencies, through the principles of equity and solidarity”

Mr. President,

The Holy See welcomes the attention this high-level meeting brings to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, which is vital to implementing the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Pope Leo XIV has observed, “Scientific and technological advances, even in the medical field, are not easily accessible to the vast majority of people, as was dramatically demonstrated during the recent pandemic.”[1] Failing to confront this gap will make it harder to prevent and respond to pandemics effectively in the future.

We must start by addressing the circumstances which often increase the risk of severe illness and death: poverty, poor living conditions, and lack of healthcare. In this regard, the Holy See has consistently reiterated that universal health coverage is a moral imperative, which is rooted in the principle of the “equality of all in dignity and rights” and which reflects our increasing interdependence and interconnectedness[2]. From this perspective, the principle of solidarity implies building expertise and capacity in research, innovation, manufacturing, production, and regulation in developing countries.[3]

Finally, COVID-19 both exposed and aggravated social fragmentation, at times with the result that older persons were abandoned and many young people suffered from isolation and loneliness, inhibiting their personal and affective development. Therefore, greater attention should be given to mental health, particularly that of the youth, while accompanying people in discovering that life has value, that each of us is loved, awaited and called to a task in the world.[4]

Therefore, the strengthening of social ties and solidarity should be encouraged at all levels, starting with the family, because no one can tackle alone the challenges we face today and those that lie ahead.

I thank you.

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[1] Pope Leo XIV, Encyclical Letter Magnifica Humanitas, 15 May 2026, No. 161.

[2] Cf. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, No. 192.

[3] As reflected in paragraph 25 of the draft political declaration.

[4] Cf. Address of Pope Leo XIV to participants in the International Conference “Maps of hope for a regional educational agenda: mental health, digital technologies and education”, 30 May 2026.