The pope has urged nations to shift resources away from arms manufacturing toward a global fund dedicated to ending hunger and advancing sustainable development. These ideas were outlined in remarks prepared for delivery at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP-28, held in Dubai. Because of health limits, the pope could not visit the UAE, so Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin read the prepared remarks. The message stressed that current military spending pulls energy and attention from essential humanitarian needs and climate adaptation efforts.
The pontiff pointed out that militarized conflict consumes funds, materials, and human talent that could instead aid people in distress. He drew attention to ongoing tensions and hostilities around the world, noting protests and violence in regions including the Middle East and Eastern Europe, along with other areas where violence persists. He argued that warfare does not resolve problems; it often makes them worse and brings greater human and environmental losses as weapons and related technologies devastate communities and ecosystems.
In the prepared remarks, Francis proposed a concrete shift in budgeting: move the money currently spent on arms toward initiatives that confront hunger in vulnerable nations affected by climate change. He called for an international fund to support sustainable development projects that would help communities adapt to climate risks, improve food security, and build resilience against environmental shocks. The emphasis was on turning defense spending into proactive investments in people, health, and long-term stability, with accountability and transparency at the core. He also suggested that such a fund could spur collaboration among governments, international organizations, and civil society to direct resources where they are most needed and to measure progress against clear humanitarian and environmental benchmarks.
Commenting on the broader global context, the pope recalled how defense industries influence public policy and international relations in ways that can shape risk perception and resource allocation. While acknowledging national security needs, he urged a balanced approach that prioritizes human life and planetary health. The speech framed climate action and hunger relief as intertwined priorities, arguing that sustainable development and peace reinforce one another. The Vatican emphasized that the proposal aligns with ethical responsibilities to protect the vulnerable and to care for the Earth for future generations, especially amid rising climate pressures and frequent humanitarian emergencies.
Observers noted that the address placed climate justice at the center of international diplomacy, encouraging donor nations and financial institutions to view hunger relief and sustainable development as essential pieces of security. The remarks suggested several mechanisms for mobilizing capital, including blended finance, concessional funding, and international partnerships, all aimed at speeding progress toward zero hunger, fair access to nutritious food, and climate resilience for rural communities. While the global financial system remains intricate, the pope’s proposal invites a practical rethink of how resources are allocated and who bears responsibility for protecting the most vulnerable populations. The speech ended with a call for solidarity that crosses borders, urging leaders to reframe priorities in a way that yields lasting benefits for people and the planet. The Vatican noted that the proposal aligns with longstanding Catholic social teaching on human dignity, the common good, and the moral imperative to care for those in need. (Vatican News)