Meeting with Italian leaders to discuss the demographic winter in countries such as Italy and Spain, Pope Francis called for policies and initiatives that favor a work-life balance and offer stability.
As he had done on other occassions, the Pope denied that the absence of children in society is a sign of fear in the face of an uncertain future.
POPE FRANCIS
We cannot accept that our society stops being reproductive and descends into sadness. When there is no reproductivity, there's sadness. It is an ugly, ugly grief.
We must change our mindset—the family is not part of the problem, but part of its solution.
The Pope said that a society is happy when it generates hope, shares goods and creates life. When it is sad, it withdraws, becomes more selfish and is less welcoming. The effects of that kind of soceity are evident with the current situation of migrants.
POPE FRANCIS
The birth rate, as well as hospitality, should never be in opposition because they are two sides of the same coin and they reveal to us how much happiness there is in society.
Pope Francis expressed his regret that many individualistic desires are being imposed on society. He said that these numb the soul and make it impossible to look outside the box and see people in need.
Building on this, he addressed a topic that he said he personally does not like: those who put their dogs above the needs of people. The Pope recalled how, during a General Audience, a lady opened her bag where her dog was and asked him to bless it.
POPE FRANCIS
A little dog. Then, I had no patience and scolded the lady: Madam, so many children are hungry and you with your little dog.
These were Pope Francis' remarks at the third edition of the Italian General State of the Birth Rate. The event was organized by the Foundation for the Birth of a Child. Representatives of the country's main political parties and other social actors were also present.
The Pope shared the podium with the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. This congress was organized as a result of the demographic winter in Italy. In 2022, the death rate was 300,000 more than the number of children born.
JRB
TR: KG
