On Italy’s day of life (Giornata per la Vita), Pope Francis calls for society to be helped to recover from all attacks on life, and warns that the future of Italy is at stake due to the declining birth rate.
By Vatican News staff reporter
Pope Francis once again stressed the importance of protecting life at all stages, in remarks on the 43rd Italian day for life.
The commemoration, which takes place every year on the first Sunday in February, was started in 1978 by the Italian bishops and is aimed at promoting the welcoming life, especially the life in the womb. The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Freedom in Life’.
Speaking after the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Francis said: ‘I join the Italian bishops in remembering that freedom is the great gift God has given us to seek and attain our own and that of others, beginning with the primary good of life. ‘ He insisted: “We must be helped to heal our society from all attacks on life, so that it can be protected at every stage.”
Italy’s future in jeopardy
Pope Francis also expressed concern about the ‘Italian demographic winter’.
“In Italy, [the number of] births have declined, and the future is in jeopardy, ”he warned. He called on Italians “to worry about this and try to ensure that this demographic winter comes to an end, and that a new spring of baby boys and girls can flourish.”