During his session with the Pontifical Academy for Life, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the "enormous" discrepancies in healthcare access. In terms of prevention, "the situations in which communities live, as a result of social and environmental policies, have an impact on people's health and lives. As we investigate life expectancy and healthy life expectancy in various countries and social categories, we uncover substantial disparities". "These depend", he stressed, "on variables such as income level, education, and neighborhood of residence, even within the same city". “It is often said that life and health are equally fundamental values for all, but this claim is hypocritical," the pontiff stated, "if we simultaneously disregard the structural causes and operational choices that determine inequalities. Despite statements and declarations, not all lives are equally valued, and health is not safeguarded or promoted in the same way". In Italy, for example, healthcare is public and funded by taxes, yet there are sometimes lengthier wait times and fewer options for doctors or facilities. Private Italian healthcare, whether paid for directly or through insurance, is more expensive but provides faster visits, more customisation, and greater freedom of choice.