BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE– As the World Food Programme (WFP) continues supporting food security and livelihoods in Eswatini, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has commended the organisation’s humanitarian workers for their dedication to fighting hunger and restoring hope in vulnerable communities worldwide.
The Pope made the remarks during a historic visit to the WFP Headquarters in Rome on June 22, 2026, where he met the organisation’s leadership, staff members and representatives working in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
During the visit, Pope Leo XIV addressed WFP’s global teams and Executive Board, paid tribute to humanitarian workers serving in conflict zones and laid a wreath at a memorial wall honouring 171 WFP staff members who lost their lives while serving people in need.
Speaking to WFP representatives from different countries, the Pope acknowledged the dangers and sacrifices involved in delivering food assistance to vulnerable populations.
“The world today could live without hunger. The resources should be available. The capacity of food production exists,” said Pope Leo XIV, while urging nations and organisations to address the root causes of hunger, conflict and displacement.
His message resonates strongly with Eswatini, where the World Food Programme has become a key partner in improving food security, strengthening agriculture and supporting vulnerable households.
Through the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, WFP works closely with Government to provide nutritious meals to thousands of primary school learners and children attending Neighbourhood Care Points across the country. The programme not only improves nutrition and school attendance but also creates markets for local farmers who supply food products.
The organisation has also invested heavily in climate-smart agriculture initiatives, particularly in the drought-prone Lubombo and Shiselweni regions, helping communities build resilience against recurring droughts and climate shocks.
In addition, WFP continues supporting vulnerable families, including households affected by HIV, Tuberculosis and malnutrition through targeted food assistance and livelihood programmes.
The Pope further noted that hunger and conflict often fuel one another, creating cycles of suffering that force many people to migrate in search of survival. He commended WFP workers around the world for standing on the frontlines of the fight against hunger and delivering hope to millions.
His visit also highlighted the longstanding partnership between the Catholic Church and humanitarian organisations. In Eswatini, the Roman Catholic Church remains a major contributor to national development through education, healthcare, poverty alleviation programmes and community development initiatives.
As global food insecurity continues to affect millions of people, Pope Leo XIV’s visit served as a powerful reminder of the importance of international solidarity and collective action in ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against hunger.
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(Courtesy Pic)
