Pope laments Europe’s declining birth rates, encourages pro-family policy

Pope Leo XIV warned Europe’s falling birth rates threaten the continent’s future, calling for renewed efforts to strengthen families.

During an Oct. 14 meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, the pope said the trend should concern everyone. 

“In recent decades, we have witnessed in Europe as we have seen a notable decline in the birth rate,” he said. “This calls for a concerted effort to promote choices at all levels in favor of the family, supporting its efforts, promoting its values and protecting its needs and rights.” 

He said strong family life is key to rebuilding social trust. 

“‘Father,’ ‘mother,’ ‘son,’ ‘daughter,’ ‘grandfather,’ ‘grandmother,’” Leo said. “These are words that in Italian tradition naturally express and evoke sentiments of love, respect and dedication – sometimes heroic – for the good of the family, community and therefore for that of society as a whole.” 

Leo said governments should help young couples raise children and balance work with family life. 

“Let us do everything possible to give confidence to families – especially young families – so that they may look to the future with serenity and grow in harmony,” he said. 

He also spoke about the dignity of human life at all ages, as Italy recorded its lowest birth total since national unification in 1861. 

“Respect and protection of life in all its phases, from conception to advanced age, until the moment of death, is inscribed,” he said. 

Italy reported around 370,000 births in 2024, down 2.6% from the previous year. The fertility rate is just 1.18 children per woman, far below the 2.1 needed to replace the population. 

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has made the issue a policy priority. Her government has offered tax breaks, extended parental leave and other financial incentives to help families and prospective parents.