Pope Francis has expressed concern over the decreasing birth rate in the West, stating that the declining number of children indicates a lack of hope for the future. The Pope challenged the longstanding beliefs around overpopulation, arguing that humanity is the solution to global issues, rather than the problem.
The Pope’s remarks seem directed towards individuals like Stanford biologist Paul Ehrlich, who in his 1968 book, “The Population Bomb,” predicted a catastrophic population explosion leading to extensive famine. Speaking at the General States of Natality, an annual conference discussing Italy’s falling birth rate, Pope Francis insisted that children are a gift and a sign of God’s confidence in humanity.
The Pope further argued that pollution and hunger are not consequences of overpopulation, but instead are products of selfishness, rampant materialism, and consumerism. The Pontiff rebuked a society filled with objects instead of children, and argued against the individualistic attitudes which can lead to loneliness and unhappiness.
Pope Francis singled out Italy, pointing to the fact that the average age of the population has now risen to 47 years, suggesting that Italy, and Europe as a whole, risk turning into a resigned and tired continent, devoid of hope for the future. The Pope called for societal and governmental action to create an environment where families feel free and supported to have more children.