Italian Episcopal Conference
(CEI) chief Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco told assembled bishops
Monday that children "have the right to a father and a mother".
Children are not "subordinate to the desires of adults," the
cardinal said.
"Weakening the family by creating new figures (that)
displace the founding nucleus of the individual and the human
being, is irresponsible".
The chief of Italy's bishops went on to bewail Italy's high
youth unemployment rate, which stands above 40%.
"The number of those so dispirited they have given up
looking for work is on the rise," said Bagnasco.
"We are losing an entire generation. What is to become of
so many young people?"
The cardinal called for fighting unemployment by making
sure Italian production remains in Italy.
"We must ensure that our industrial and professional
heritage...remains solidly anchored at home," Bagnasco said.
"Economic hardship bordering on misery is weighing on the
endurance of families," he added, calling for a renewal in
politics based on "listening to the suffering of others".
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