Pope Francis warns pets must not replace children in Italy

Pope Francis has expressed concern about the increasing difficulty of starting a family in Italy, stating that it has become a significant challenge that only the wealthy can afford. Speaking at a conference on Italy’s demographic crisis, he noted that pets are replacing children in many households. The country has one of the lowest fertility rates in the European Union, with births dropping to a new low of below 400,000 last year. The Pope attributed this decline to a lack of hope among younger generations, who face uncertainty, fragility, and precariousness due to difficulties in finding stable jobs, high rents, and insufficient wages.

The Pope shared an incident where a woman asked him to bless her baby, only to reveal a small dog instead. Expressing his frustration, he questioned why someone would prioritize a pet over hungry children. This remark received applause from the audience.

Italy is not the only country experiencing a decline in birth rates. Japan, South Korea, Puerto Rico, and Portugal are among the nations facing similar challenges. However, Italy’s situation is particularly worrisome due to its status as the third-largest country in the eurozone. The country could lose almost 20% of its population by 2050 while simultaneously facing a rapidly aging population, as evidenced by the tripling number of centenarians over the past two decades.

The shrinking population is a major concern, with experts warning that it could lead to the impoverishment of the nation. Italy’s Economy Minister, Giancarlo Giorgetti, predicts that the declining birth rate will result in an 18% reduction in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2042.

Several factors contribute to the declining birth rate in Italy. Young people face difficulties in finding stable employment, and the childcare support system is often inadequate, making it challenging for mothers to balance work and family life. Additionally, six out of ten mothers lack access to nurseries, and many pregnant women face resignations or dismissals from their jobs upon pregnancy.

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