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Vatican City, 26 May 2026 – In a stern warning to European lawmakers, Pope Leo XIV has called for a renewed commitment to supporting families and preserving human dignity in the wake of a demographic crisis that threatens intergenerational solidarity and the future of society.
During an audience with members of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Demography, the Pope emphasized that demographic data was not merely a statistical trend, but a reflection of the vital institutions of fatherhood, motherhood, and children. He insisted that the future of Europe hinges on the ability to ensure the well-being of its youth.
The Pontiff highlighted concerns over the continent’s aging population, noting that the average age of Europeans is increasing, while birth rates are dwindling. He pointed out the social consequences of demographic decline, including the rise of loneliness, which he termed a “pandemic.”
Furthermore, drawing attention to the erosion of Christian values in Europe, Pope Leo XIV attributed the continent’s “drastic sterility” to the erosion of its Christian heritage. He criticized policies that allegedly support families while simultaneously tolerating discrimination against motherhood, promoting abortion, and undermining the foundation of family life.
The Pope reiterated the Catholic Church’s teachings on the importance of the family as the first and irreplaceable school of social life. He urged policymakers to strengthen family participation in social, cultural, and political life while ensuring that the principle of subsidiarity is respected.
Subsidiarity, a concept introduced by Pope John Paul II, refers to the idea that decision-making authority should be vested in the most local, effective, and accountable level of government. By upholding this principle, governments can avoid either excessive state intervention or radical individualism.
Pope Leo XIV concluded his address by emphasizing that only a comprehensive rebirth of family values could effectively mitigate the effects of a declining population. “Only a fresh springtide for the family can transform the winter chill of our ageing populations,” he said.
The visit to the European Parliament comes at a crucial time when European policymakers are grappling with the implications of demographic decline on the continent’s future. The Pope’s words are expected to have far-reaching implications, and the Vatican’s diplomatic efforts aim to promote family-friendly policies that prioritize the welfare of children, families, and society as a whole.