Speaking at a gathering organized by the World Health Organization alongside European bishops, Pope Leo said access to healthcare is essential for just societies and should not be limited by economic status.

“Universal health coverage is a moral imperative for societies that wish to call themselves just,” he said, emphasizing that healthcare must be available to all, particularly the most vulnerable.

The pope warned that unequal access to medical care can deepen social divisions and contribute to instability. “Healthcare must be accessible to the most vulnerable ... not only because their dignity requires it but also to prevent injustice from becoming a cause of conflict,” he said. “Health cannot be a luxury for the few.”

While previous pontiffs have advocated for broader access to care, describing the issue as a “moral imperative” marks a notably strong formulation in Catholic teaching, signaling a heightened emphasis on the obligation of societies to provide healthcare.

Pope Francis, Leo’s predecessor, similarly called in 2021 for healthcare systems to be accessible to all, citing Italy’s publicly funded system as an example of broad coverage.

Pope Leo, the first pope from the United States, which does not have universal health coverage, also urged European bishops to address disparities within their own healthcare systems.

“Only together can we build communities of solidarity capable of caring for everyone,” he said. “Caring for the humanity of others helps us to live our own lives to the full.”

The remarks place renewed attention on healthcare access as both a social and moral issue, particularly as countries continue to debate the role of government in providing medical services.