Europe appears to be losing faith in its future, Pope Benedict XVI has said, citing the continent's demographic trends, which include dramatically low fertility rates and shrinking and greying populations.
"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 today's European Union.
Benedict said he was concerned about Europe's "demographic profile" - though he did not describe the trends which have been alarming demographers for decades....