Malta must respond with concrete action to counter its low birth rate, which is the lowest in Europe, Archbishop Charles Scicluna said Tuesday.
In his message for Christmas, the head of the Church in Malta said the country should “remain open to the gift of life. Let us build a culture of hope for the future, for the generations yet to come, so that our homes are filled with the blessing of children,” he said.
The archbishop delivered his message from Hospice Malta, traditionally known as the Cini Institute in Santa Venera.
Cini Institute, he said, began as a food production facility owned by the Cini family, who operated a pasta factory here. In the 19th century, Adelaide Cini transformed her family’s factory into a refuge for young women in need, offering them protection and dignity. Over the years, this institution became a sanctuary, a place where new generations found their beginning.
Today, this cherished place is home to Hospice Malta, an organisation dedicated to providing care and support to our brothers and sisters as they prepare for their eternal journey.
“You might wonder why I chose this venue to deliver my message on Christmas Day, of all days. Christmas is not merely a celebration of birth; it is also a profound reminder of the eternity of life. My wish is that we treasure this Christmas as a meaningful milestone in our journey towards a wonderful life-a journey that calls us to live with intention while we are here on earth, and at the same time prepare ourselves for eternal life,” he said.
This Christmas, after celebrating the 50th anniversary of our Republic together, “I wish to emphasise and renew my appeal to the Maltese and Gozitan people: let us remain open to the gift of life. Let us build a culture of hope for the future, for the generations yet to come, so that our homes are filled with the blessing of children.”
Today, as we celebrate the profound blessing that the birth of a child brings, let us also reflect on how each new life enriches society in countless ways. “Rather than despairing that our nation currently holds the lowest birthrate in Europe, we must respond with concrete action. Each of us bears a responsibility to contribute to creating a supportive and nurturing environment-one that inspires young couples to embrace the future with hope, build loving homes, and welcome the gift of children,” he said.
“I acknowledge that not everyone can experience this blessing. I extend my deepest encouragement to those couples who choose adoption or fostering. I also wish to commend the efforts of all who contribute to creating an environment that supports and facilitates the journey of parenthood, nurturing hope that new life will continue to flourish in our nation,” the archbishop added.
“Let us pray for our society to embrace a culture of life, honouring its sanctity from conception to natural death. May the provision of palliative care stand as a beacon of hope, reflecting a society that cherishes and upholds the dignity of life in all its stages,” he said.
The archbishop also referred to the Jubilee of Hope, declared by Pope Francis as a year characterised by hope, which opened on Christmas Eve. “When we Bishops of Malta and Gozo met with Pope Francis on the 17th of May 2024, we asked him what his wish for 2025, for the Jubilee of Hope is. He responded with the words, “Una grande festa di misericordia” (a great feast of mercy). I add that, first and foremost, mercy must begin with ourselves and our brethren and be open to receiving the infinite mercy of God,” he said
May the forthcoming new year be another one defined by solidarity and compassion, with mercy extended to ourselves and to one another. May the profound experience of this Christmas season resonate deeply in our hearts and continue to inspire our actions throughout the year ahead, he said.