California First Partner Co-Hosts Vatican Summit on Social Connection as Public Health Priority

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco co-hosted a two-day international summit at the Vatican, focusing on the urgency of social connection and belonging. Sponsored by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, the summit brought together scientists, academics, doctors, faith leaders, and advocates to address the current crisis of social disconnection.

The summit held at Casina Pio IV last week aimed to treat social health with the same priority as physical and mental health. During the event, Siebel Newsom emphasized the impact of social isolation and highlighted California's efforts to foster a sense of belonging as a collective initiative.

She stated that the gathering provided a space for various experts—from scientists to young adults—to collaborate on advancing global social health. Discussions included how social connections can enhance human development and the need for communities to prioritize social engagement as a public health metric.

The summit, entitled "Belonging and Social Relations in the Age of Fragility," conveyed that loneliness and disconnection are significant public health risks, comparable to smoking and obesity. It highlighted evidence-based research, alongside theological perspectives, on the importance of belonging.

Participants explored models of social health initiatives used in California, such as expanding community gathering spaces and creating the largest service corps in the U.S. The summit aims to produce a white paper, reflecting the findings for global implementation of social connection strategies.

California's commitment to enhancing community connections is underpinned by its statewide initiatives, including the California Love, California Strong program. Recent data from the World Health Organization indicates that one in six individuals globally experiences loneliness, leading to significant health risks, including an estimated 870,000 deaths annually. In response, the state established its first Social Health Council in August 2026 to prioritize social connection as a public health issue.