Addressing a conference on Friday, Pope Francis urged action to tackle the demographic crisis in Italy and Europe. Birth rates across Europe have stagnated over the past decade at around 1.5 children per woman, well below the replacement rate of 2.1.
According to the USCCBDuring his speech, Pope Francis said that the root cause of the world's problems “is not the birth of babies; it is selfishness, consumerism and individualism that make people satiated, lonely and unhappy.”
“Selfishness makes one deaf to the voice of God, who first loves and teaches how to love, and to the voice of the brothers and sisters around us; it numbs the heart,” causing people to live for things and possessions, thus losing the ability to live. knows 'how to do good'.
Homes become “very sad places,” he said, stripped of children and “filled with objects,” such as dogs or cats.
The Pope said what is needed is a long-term approach, effective policies and bold, concrete decisions so that what is sown today, children can “reap tomorrow.”
Italy is facing a particularly serious situation: the number of births reached a record low in 2023, marking the fifteenth consecutive year of decline. Despite repeated efforts, successive governments have failed to reverse the trend.
The pope attributed the decline partly to social priorities, highlighting one scholar's observation that investments in weapons and contraceptives currently yield the highest returns. “One industry destroys life, another prevents it,” he noted, questioning the future that rests on such priorities.
Although Pope Francis has been a long-time critic of the arms industry, he also reaffirmed the Catholic Church's position against artificial contraception. However, he emphasized the importance of 'responsible parenthood' and suggested natural family planning methods as an alternative.
This speech adds to the ongoing discussion about the declining birth rate in Europe. Pope Francis' comments call for a reappraisal of societal values and a renewed focus on supporting families and future generations.