The regular Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life was held from 16 to 18 February 2026 in the Vatican. As part of the assembly, a two-day conference entitled “Health Care for All: Sustainability and Equity” was organized.
The meeting addressed the most pressing global health challenges and proposed solutions to ensure access to health care for all, especially the most vulnerable populations. Particular attention was given to pregnant women and children, the elderly, migrants, persons with disabilities, and populations affected by war, emphasized Msgr. Renzo Pegoraro, the President of the Academy, at a press conference on 17 February.
Highlighting the key themes of the conference, Prof. Ezekiel Emanuel from the University of Pennsylvania described how well-functioning healthcare systems strive to achieve five fundamental goals: universal coverage and access; reasonable costs and affordability; consistently high quality of care; reduction of inequalities (especially between urban and rural areas); and satisfaction of both the public and healthcare professionals.
Prof. Sheila Tlou, special ambassador for African Leaders Malaria Alliance, presented examples of significant progress in healthcare delivery in Africa. Investments in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria have increased substantially. However, Africa continues to lag behind in achieving many Sustainable Development Goals due to the diversity and poverty of many African countries. Neonatal mortality remains high at 63 per 1,000 live births, while maternal mortality is approximately 445 per 100,000 deliveries. Although HIV infections have decreased by as much as 70% in some countries, major challenges persist, particularly among young women.
Among the invited speakers was Prof. Rok Čivljak from the University of Zagreb School of Medicine, President of the Croatian Catholic Medical Society and the European Federation of Catholic Medical Associations (FEAMC). He delivered a lecture entitled “Professional and Ethical Challenges in Medicine During Wartime.” He emphasized that wars and armed conflicts impose profound professional, ethical, and personal challenges on healthcare workers. Health facilities are often among the first targets and are sometimes deliberately attacked, while healthcare professionals may become direct victims of violence. Despite operating in extreme conditions marked by insecurity, resource scarcity, and infrastructure collapse, healthcare workers continue to provide essential clinical care, implement public health interventions, and offer psychosocial support to both military personnel and civilians.
Prof. Čivljak also reflected on experiences from the Croatian Homeland War (1991–1995). Developed under conditions of aggression against the Republic of Croatia, the military medical system initially relied on highly motivated civilian healthcare professionals, often without prior military experience and with limited equipment and resources. Through integration with civilian health institutions, a multi-layered system of care was gradually established, ranging from frontline medical support to university hospitals and rehabilitation centers. He also presented examples of the suffering of patients and healthcare workers during the war, particularly during the siege and occupation of Vukovar and the mass killing of 261 patients and staff of Vukovar Hospital at Ovčara on 20–21 November 1991. He concluded by stressing the need to strengthen legal protection for patients and healthcare professionals, establish clear ethical guidelines, provide targeted education, and advocate consistently for international support for healthcare workers in armed conflicts.
At the conclusion of the conference, Msgr. Pegoraro announced the recipient of the annual “Guardian of Life” Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to an individual who has distinguished himself or herself in promoting, protecting, and defending human life. This year’s award was given to Msgr. Robert Vitillo, Senior Advisor to the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, in recognition of his longstanding humanitarian work with organizations such as Caritas Internationalis and the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC). His efforts have focused on ensuring access to treatment and health care for the most vulnerable, especially migrants and children in Africa.
In his address upon receiving the award, Msgr. Vitillo noted that mental health challenges among migrants are more often the result of trauma, discrimination, and exclusion than of their culture of origin. He therefore proposed providing continuous health care throughout the entire migration journey and integrating migrants into national health systems rather than excluding them from society. Reflecting on the role of the Catholic Church, he recalled that in the late 1980s the Church, through Caritas, made the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic a priority. At a time when antiretroviral drugs were unavailable and millions were dying of AIDS, Church workers—especially in Africa—provided compassionate care to the sick, even in overcrowded hospitals such as those in Uganda. When antiretroviral therapy later became available, it remained inaccessible to many due to high costs. Catholic organizations and the Holy See advocated globally for price reductions and supported the establishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. They also called on pharmaceutical companies to develop pediatric formulations, bringing together industry leaders and regulatory authorities at the Vatican to address this ethical gap. These efforts contributed to a dramatic increase in survival among children living with HIV, enabling many abandoned children to grow up, receive an education, and thrive. Msgr. Vitillo concluded that true sustainability and equity in health care arise not only from funding, but from long-term commitment grounded in solidarity before, during, and after global crises.
The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, received the members of the Academy and conference participants in audience, encouraging them in their work and discussions. He emphasized that in a world marked by conflict, we must dedicate time and resources to promoting life and health and addressing inequalities by strengthening our understanding of the common good.
On the final day of the Plenary Assembly, on Ash Wednesday morning, the Academicians and conference participants attended Mass at the nearby Church of Santo Spirito in Sassia, the official Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy since 1994. The Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Fabio Baggio, Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and a longtime collaborator of Pope Francis in work with migrants and refugees. Concelebrants included Cardinal Fernando Natalio Chomalí, Metropolitan Archbishop of Santiago de Chile, Msgr. Renzo Pegoraro, President of the Academy, and numerous other bishops and priests participating in the Plenary Assembly.
The Plenary Assembly concluded with meetings of the Academy’s committees and sections, during which plans for future activities were discussed. Among the participants were Prof. Frans van Ittersum, Secretary-General of the FEAMC, and Porf. Jozef Glasa, first Vice President of FEAMC, both corresponding members of the Academy.
Rok Čivljak
President of FEAMC
Photographs: Rok Čivljak, Frans van Ittersum
