Pope chides millionaires using science to seek ‘immortality’ while poor suffer

Pope Leo XIV yesterday criticised wealthy people using scientific advances to fight illness, aging and death while millions still live in poverty and oppression. — Vatican Media handout via AFP pic

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Summary

• Pope Leo XIV criticized wealthy individuals for using scientific advances to fight illness and aging while millions live in poverty and oppression.
• He stated that scientific progress should not be a privilege reserved for millionaires seeking immortality.
• This comment was made during his visit to Peru.

First Published: Saturday, 14 Nov 2026 9:50 AM MYT

CHICLAYO (Peru), Nov 14 — Pope Leo XIV yesterday criticised wealthy people using scientific advances to fight illness, aging and death while millions still live in poverty and oppression.

“Precisely because scientific progress is a supreme achievement of human intelligence, it must not be confused with a privilege reserved for millionaires seeking immortality, while entire peoples suffer from poverty and oppression,” he said during a trip to Peru. — AFP