Archbishop Domenico Battaglia Calls for Youth Support and Social Solidarity in Italy

Archbishop Domenico Battaglia, the most recent cardinal appointed by Pope Francis and head of the Archdiocese of Naples, emphasized the Catholic Church’s role in helping young people and disadvantaged families. He warned against viewing youth only through the lens of crime, stressing that poverty, lack of education, and social isolation are root causes. Battaglia urged a collaborative “educational pact” among families, volunteers, Christian communities and public institutions to prevent delinquency and promote recovery, arguing that a society grows when the strong support the vulnerable.

He also highlighted the need for the Church to act as a partner in social welfare, calling for greater solidarity, hospitality and accompaniment for families facing hardship.