The Day for the Life of Italy (Giornata per la Vita), Pope Francis calls for society to be helped to heal from all attacks on life and warns that the future of Italy is at stake due to of the decrease in the birth rate.
By Vatican News staff reporter
Pope Francis reiterated the importance of protecting life at all stages, in his remarks on the 43rd Italian day for life.
The commemoration, which takes place every year on the first Sunday in February, was started by Italian bishops in 1978 and aims to promote welcoming life, especially life in the womb. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Freedom in life.”
In statements 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 achieve our own good and that of others, beginning for the primordial good of life. ”He insisted,“ We need to help our society heal itself from all attacks on life, so that it can be protected at all stages. ”
The future of Italy in danger
Pope Francis also expressed particular concern about the “Italian demographic winter.”
“In Italy, [the number of] births have dwindled and the future is in jeopardy, “he warned. He called on Italians to” take this concern and try to bring this demographic winter to an end and a new spring for children can flourish. “