URGENT UPDATE: Pope Leo XIV has issued a powerful warning against the alarming rise of gambling in Italy, declaring it a “scourge” that devastates families. Speaking on December 29, 2025, during a meeting with mayors across Italy, the Pope emphasized the need for communities to combat loneliness and promote “authentically human relationships” to alleviate this crisis.
The Catholic Church leader, who took office in May 2025, highlighted troubling statistics showing an unprecedented surge in gambling activity, with Italy now standing as Europe’s largest gambling market. In 2024 alone, gross gaming revenues skyrocketed to €21.5 billion, surpassing even the United Kingdom, Germany, and France.
In addressing the mayors, Pope Leo XIV lamented the pervasive issues of marginalization and mental health challenges tied to gambling addiction. “Unfortunately, our cities know forms of marginalization, violence, and loneliness that ask to be addressed,” he stated. “I would like to draw attention, in particular, to the scourge of gambling, which ruins many families.”
According to Caritas Italiana, a leading charity organization, gambling is not only an economic issue but also a significant social problem, contributing to educational and mental health crises. The organization has pointed to the detrimental effects on social trust and community cohesion.
The Pope’s remarks echo earlier statements made by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, head of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, who warned in June that gambling “ruins people” and destroys relationships, calling for urgent action to control its spread. As public concern grows, many are calling for stricter regulations to curb the gambling boom.
Experts predict that as the situation continues to evolve into 2026, the Italian government will face increasing pressure to respond to the gambling epidemic. The Pope’s plea adds a moral dimension to the ongoing discussions, urging political leaders to foster genuine human connections among citizens to combat the isolation that fuels gambling addiction.
As the Catholic Church steps up its advocacy against this escalating issue, communities across Italy will be closely watching how government actions unfold in the coming months.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as the implications of gambling’s rise continue to affect families and society at large.
