In a recent conversation, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, emphasized Pope Francis’s desire for Europe to reconnect with its foundational principles.

This call comes at a critical time as the continent faces a looming “demographic winter,” driven by persistently low birth rates.

Parolin believes that addressing these challenges requires a renewed spirit of solidarity among nations.

The Importance of Hope and Responsibility

Speaking to Vatican Media just before Pope Francis’s trip to Luxembourg and Belgium, Parolin stressed that without hope and a firm belief in divine assistance, “every difficulty, though real, will seem magnified.”

He pointed out that selfish tendencies can thrive when hope wanes.

Both the Catholic Church and government entities hold a shared responsibility to support families and foster an environment where generosity can flourish.

To tackle the troubling decline in birth rates, Parolin argues that a coordinated effort from various sectors is urgently needed.

He calls on the Church, state authorities, and community organizations to recognize the “vital importance” of this issue and to collaborate on effective measures.

Listening to families to understand their true needs is crucial in helping them overcome obstacles to welcoming new life, he explained.

A Global Perspective on Fertility Trends

The decline in global fertility rates has been a pressing concern for decades, particularly in developed nations with high living standards.

In stark contrast, many developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, continue to see rising fertility rates.

The data from the World Bank indicates that several advanced countries are falling well below the “replacement rate” of approximately 2.1 births per woman needed to maintain a stable population.

This isn’t the first time Parolin has highlighted the potential for a “demographic winter” due to low birth rates.

He previously addressed this issue in a 2021 speech in France, where he urged European nations to return to their Christian heritage.

Pope Francis’s Concerns about Family Formation

Pope Francis himself has expressed alarm at the declining birth rates, referring to them as “a figure that reveals a great concern for tomorrow.”

He has criticized the societal conditions that make starting a family seem like an overwhelming task, rather than a valued and supported endeavor.

In 2022, he labeled the plummeting fertility rates a “social emergency,” arguing that while the issue may not be as visible as other pressing concerns, it remains extremely urgent because it jeopardizes everyone’s future.

The Need for Reflection in Europe

In his recent remarks, Parolin noted that many Europeans have largely forgotten the immense challenges of the past, particularly the turmoil leading up to the end of World War II.

He warned that this forgetfulness could lead to repeating the tragic mistakes of history.

“In 1945, European nations looked forward to a future they hoped would be better than the past.

Today, however, many see the future as uncertain or even bleaker than recent times,” he said.

This mindset can stifle the ability to embrace life and fosters a culture of resignation, where hope struggles to thrive amidst rising populism and polarization.

Parolin pointed out that the Church, with its deep understanding of humanity, uses language that emphasizes responsibility and moderation.

Such communication reflects the Gospel’s wisdom, which offers realistic perspectives without promising an easy path.

Christianity’s Influence on European Culture

The cardinal underscored the significant role that Christianity, particularly Catholicism, has played in shaping Europe through its cathedrals, universities, and institutions.

He criticized the absence of any mention of God in the current European Constitution, suggesting that this omission exacerbates confusion and undermines the continent’s efforts to unify.

To move forward and achieve meaningful goals, Parolin argued that Europe must rediscover its roots.

If it seeks to be a respected and authoritative voice in the global arena, it must revive the core values that inspired its founding.

The Pope’s Journey: A Pilgrimage of Hope

During his ongoing trip, Pope Francis is set to meet with leaders, educators, and citizens in Luxembourg and Belgium, two countries where religious adherence is declining due to secular trends.

After his events in Luxembourg, the pope will continue to Belgium, celebrating the 600th anniversary of Catholic universities in Leuven and Louvain-la-Neuve before returning to Rome on September 29.

Parolin referred to the pope as a “pilgrim of hope,” expressing hope that the visit would inspire profound reflection on Europe and the Church’s role within it.

He envisions this trip as a moment for both believers and non-believers to listen to the successor of St. Peter, reflecting on how their actions align with the Gospel’s invitation.