The Pope recently spoke out on an issue that goes beyond the purely religious sphere: the dramatic increase in gambling in Italy and its impact on families and communities. His words resonate as a social warning at a time when the economic and human consequences of gambling are attracting the attention of local authorities.
A strong statement in the face of a silent crisis
During a meeting on 29 December with representatives of the Assocazione Nazionale dei Comuni Italiani (National Association of Italian Municipalities) gathered at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV shocked listeners with the virulence of his remarks. Addressing mayors and local elected officials, he described gambling – which he calls a scourge – as one of the contemporary evils undermining the Italian social fabric. He stressed that this situation is not limited to a question of legislation or control, but touches on the heart of human relations:
“We cannot forget the other forms of loneliness that many people suffer from: mental disorders, depression, cultural and spiritual poverty, social abandonment. These are signs that indicate how much hope is needed. To bear witness to this effectively, politics is called upon to forge authentically human relationships between citizens, promoting social peace.”
What is striking about the Pope’s intervention is his desire to go beyond the purely regulatory debate and address the problem from the perspective of its concrete effects on communities. In his view, political and administrative leaders must forge authentic human relationships between citizens in order to counter phenomena such as compulsive gambling.
This warning refers to the evolution of the gambling market in Italy, one of the largest in Europe, where spending and losses related to gambling continue to rise. Recent reports show that the sector’s growth is not uniform, with some economically fragile regions being particularly exposed to the social damage associated with gambling.
A society weakened by gambling
In Rome and other Italian provinces, several mayors have told journalists that they are increasingly confronted with situations of distress linked to gambling. These accounts confirm a trend illustrated by the figures: the growth of the market is accompanied by an increase in player spending and losses recorded per household. A recent report by Caritas Italia, mentioned by the Pope in his speech, highlights that gambling affects education, mental health and social trust, widening existing divisions in certain communities.
These observations are particularly worrying in economically vulnerable areas such as certain regions in the south and the islands, where per capita losses exceed the national average. In these areas, gambling can become a dangerous form of escapism which, paradoxically, worsens the financial situation of those who hope to find a solution to their difficulties.
For many observers, the pontifical statement could encourage a broader public debate in Italy, involving not only religious and political authorities, but also families, educators and community associations.