UPDATE: Pope Leo XIV has delivered an urgent warning about the escalating gambling crisis in Italy, stating that it is “ruining many families.” During a meeting with mayors from across Italy on December 29, 2025, the first American Pope called on local leaders to foster “authentically human relationships” to counteract the detrimental effects of gambling and combat growing loneliness.
The Pope’s remarks come amidst alarming statistics indicating a significant rise in gambling activities in Italy, which has emerged as Europe’s largest gambling market. In 2024, gross gaming revenues reached an astonishing 21.5 billion euros, surpassing major markets like the UK, Germany, and France.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need to tackle the “scourge of gambling,” highlighting the social issues of marginalization, violence, and loneliness that plague urban communities. He stated, “Statistics have recorded a strong increase in Italy in recent years. This is a serious educational, mental health, and social trust problem.”
The Pope referenced a recent report by Caritas Italiana, which outlines the dire consequences of gambling on families and communities. He remarked, “We cannot forget other forms of loneliness that many people suffer from: mental disorders, depression, cultural and spiritual poverty, social abandonment. They are signs that indicate how much there is a need for hope.”
This call to action adds to the growing concerns voiced by religious leaders in Italy. Earlier this year, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, head of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, warned, “Gambling ruins people, it impoverishes, in many cases it destroys relationships, so it is clear that a huge effort to control it is needed by everyone.”
As the government prepares to address these escalating issues, the Pope’s plea for greater regulation and community support is expected to spark further dialogue. With the gambling industry projected to continue its rapid growth into 2026, it remains to be seen how authorities will respond to the heightened scrutiny and calls for reform.
The implications of Pope Leo XIV’s statements resonate deeply within Italian society, where many families are grappling with the consequences of gambling addiction. His message is a clarion call not just for policy changes, but for a renewed sense of community and support among citizens.
Stay tuned for more updates as we follow this developing story. The urgency to address the gambling crisis has never been more critical for the future of families across Italy.
