Europe’s birthrate concerns pope

Europe appears to be losing faith in its own future, Pope Benedict XVI said, warning against “dangerous individualism” on a continent where many people are having fewer children.

“One must unfortunately note that Europe seems to be going down a road which could lead it to take its leave from history,” the pontiff told bishops in Rome for ceremonies to mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome, a major step toward the creation of the European Union.

Benedict said he was concerned about Europe’s “demographic profile.” In Italy, the population is expected to shrink sharply in a generation or two.