UPDATE: Pope Leo XIV has issued an urgent warning regarding the escalating crisis of gambling in Italy, labeling it a profound threat to family well-being. During a meeting with mayors from across Italy on December 29, 2025, the first American Pope highlighted the devastating impact of gambling, stating that it “ruins many families.”
The Pope’s remarks come as new data reveals that Italy has become Europe’s largest gambling market, surpassing nations like the UK, Germany, and France. Gross gaming revenues soared to an astonishing 21.5 billion euros in 2024, indicating a troubling gambling boom that has gripped the nation.
In a press release detailing his speech, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of fostering “authentically human relationships” to combat gambling and the loneliness that often fuels it. He lamented the rise of marginalization, violence, and loneliness in Italian cities, urging local governments to address these pressing social issues.
“Unfortunately, our cities know forms of marginalization, violence, and loneliness that ask to be addressed,” the Pope stated. “I would like to draw attention, in particular, to the scourge of gambling, which ruins many families.”
According to the latest report from Caritas Italiana, the increase in gambling has led to significant educational and mental health challenges, as well as a decline in social trust. The Pope called for immediate action, stating, “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 alarming trend is not new; earlier in June, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the head of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, echoed similar concerns, noting that gambling “ruins people” and “destroys relationships.” He emphasized that a concerted effort is essential to control this growing issue.
As the Italian government faces mounting pressure to implement stricter regulations on gambling, the Pope’s call for action is expected to resonate widely. The Catholic Church has taken a firm stance on the need to address this crisis, and it remains to be seen how policymakers will respond as the gambling landscape evolves in 2026.
With the Pope’s powerful message drawing significant attention, the conversation around gambling in Italy is likely to intensify. Communities across the country are urged to reflect on the human cost of this growing epidemic and to work towards solutions that promote social peace and well-being.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and join the conversation on social media to share your thoughts on the impact of gambling in your community.
