Italian bishops meet in Benevento to address inner area depopulation

Italian bishops and ecclesiastical leaders recently convened in Benevento for a two-day summit focused on the challenges facing the country’s 'inner areas.' The meeting addressed critical issues such as demographic decline, population aging, and the lack of essential services in marginal territories.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), emphasized that these areas are not merely problems but are the “roots of the country.” He highlighted the need to combat the exodus of young people and called for institutional support to foster social cohesion and the ability of local populations to remain in their communities, a concept referred to as ‘restanza.’

The discussions also touched upon the role of the Church in preserving local memory, faith, and social ties to prevent the fragmentation of community life. Participants advocated for a collaborative approach between the Church, civil society, and state authorities to revitalize these fragile regions through shared responsibility and proactive pastoral care.