In terms of conflict, the Pope pointed to various "martyred populations" suffering from decades of war, many of which "could have been avoided or at least stopped, and yet they spread such disastrous and cruel effects as food insecurity and the forced displacement of peoples."
To overcome these conflicts, both "good will and dialogue" are needed, as well as firm and total commitment to a "gradual and systemic disarmament" in war zones.
"What is the point of denouncing that, because of military conflicts, millions of people are victims of hunger and malnutrition, if we do not act effectively in the interest of peace and disarmament?" he said.
"It is clear that wars and climate change are an occasion for hunger, so let us avoid, then, presenting it as an incurable illness."
Human mobility, he said, can and must be managed by a coordinated and systemic action on the parts of governments that are in accord with existing international standards, and which are "impregnated with love and intelligence."
In terms of solutions, he said it's possible to stop the use of weapons of mass destruction because the world has recognized "the destructive capacity of these weapons." However, he asked whether "we (are) equally aware of the effects of the poverty and exclusion?"
People who are "willing to risk everything" to escape violence, hunger, poverty or climate change won't be stopped by physical, economic, legislative or ideological barriers, he said, explaining that "a coherent application of the principle of humanity" is the only thing capable of addressing the problem.
Francis urged "a broad and sincere" dialogue at all levels of society in order for "the best solutions" to be found and for new relationships to be formed which are characterized by "mutual responsibility, solidarity and communion."
Although current initiatives in place are praiseworthy, "they are not enough," he said, and stressed the need to promote and develop new actions and financial programs "which combat hunger and structural misery more effectively and with high hopes of success."
In developing these new tactics, it's necessary to avoid the temptation "to act in favor of small groups of the population" or to used aid funding "inappropriately, favoring corruption, or lack of legality," he said.
Closing his remarks, the Pope voiced the desire for the Catholic Church to directly participate in the various efforts being pursued and implemented given her mission, "which leads it to love everyone and also forces it to remind those who have national or international responsibility of the great duty to meet the needs of the poorest."
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Francis, who received a standing ovation for his speech, gifted the FAO with a marble statue commemorating Aylan Kurdi, the 3-year-old Syrian refugee boy whose body washed up on the shores of Turkey in 2015 after a failed attempt to cross the Mediterranean.
Elise Harris was senior Rome correspondent for CNA from 2012 to 2018.