Pope Francis is urging Italians to have more children as a measure of hope for the future, warning that the country’s demographic crisis is a serious threat. Speaking at an annual gathering of pro-family groups in Rome, the Pope emphasized the importance of increasing the birth rate, stating that “the number of births is the first indicator of the hope of a people.”
Italy’s birth rate has been steadily declining for the past 15 years, reaching a record low last year with only 379,000 babies born. In response to this crisis, the right-wing government has launched a campaign to encourage at least 500,000 births annually by 2033, with the support of the Vatican.
Pope Francis called for long-term political strategies and policies to support families in having children, including addressing issues such as precarious work contracts and obstacles to home ownership. He emphasized the need to provide viable alternatives for women so they do not have to choose between motherhood and their careers.
“The problem of our world is not children being born: it is selfishness, consumerism, and individualism,” Francis stated. He is expected to continue promoting his demographic call during the upcoming 2025 Holy Year, which focuses on the theme of hope.
In a papal decree issued on Thursday, Francis called for a new social covenant among Christians to encourage couples to be open to having children. The Pope’s message underscores the importance of addressing Italy’s demographic crisis and ensuring a brighter future for the country.