Pope Francis urged Italians to have more children to address the country’s declining birth rate, which he sees as a threat to its future, Associated Press reports.
Speaking at an annual gathering of pro-family groups, Francis emphasized the importance of children for a nation’s hope and vitality, stating that “the number of births is the first indicator of the hope of a people.” Francis stressed the need for long-term political strategies and policies to support families and make parenthood more feasible. He highlighted issues such as precarious work contracts and housing impediments, which often discourage couples from having children.
The pope argued that the root problem lies in societal issues such as selfishness, consumerism, and individualism, which lead to loneliness and unhappiness. He called for a shift in priorities, emphasizing the importance of family and community over materialism.
Italy has been facing a demographic crisis for years, with its birth rate steadily declining. Last year, it hit a record low with only 379,000 babies born, making it one of the lowest birth rates in the world. To combat this trend, the Italian government has initiated a campaign to encourage at least 500,000 births annually by 2033, with strong support from the Vatican.
