Pope Leo XIV has identified the underpopulation “crisis” as a profound worldwide problem, listing the “demographic crisis” among the most urgent global challenges threatening families and societies while calling for greater protection of human life from conception and support for family formation.
In a Monday address to Italian mayors from the National Association of Italian Local Authorities at the Vatican, the pontiff explicitly named the “demographic crisis” alongside other pressing issues.
“The demographic crisis and the struggles of families and the young, the loneliness of the elderly and the silent cry of the poor, the pollution of the environment and social conflicts are all situations that do not leave you indifferent,” Pope Leo said.
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Pro-life advocates view the pope’s reference to a “demographic crisis” — placed in a list of worldwide societal ills — as highlighting underpopulation driven by declining birthrates, an issue he has addressed previously while stressing the need to protect life at all stages.
In an October address, Pope Leo highlighted Europe’s severe birthrate decline, stating, “in recent decades, as we know, we have witnessed in Europe the phenomenon of a significant decline in birthrates.”
He called for action, saying, “This requires commitment to promoting choices at various levels in favor of the family, supporting its efforts, promoting its values, protecting its needs and rights.”
Emphasizing human dignity, the pontiff declared, “In this context, the fundamental importance, at every level, of respect and protection of life, in all its phases, from conception to advanced age, until the moment of death, is inscribed.”
He also noted “the importance of ensuring that all families have the indispensable support of dignified work, in equitable conditions and with attention to the needs related to maternity and paternity,” adding, “Let us do everything possible to give confidence to families, especially young families, so that they can look to the future serenely and grow in harmony.”
Pro-life supporters see Pope Leo’s warnings on demographic decline amid falling global fertility rates as reinforcing Church teachings on welcoming children and defending life from conception and against abortion.
