13.08.2026, ITI Event
The ITI invites to the symposium, "The Role of the Church in Light of Demographic Change", taking place in Schloss Trumau on October 16-17, 2026 – marking the ITI's 30th anniversary.
As birth rates are declining rapidly across much of the world, and demographic change will profoundly reshape societies as well as the Church.
The Church is called to respond pastorally to growing loneliness, involuntary childlessness, and the increasing number of people living alone. At the same time, she has a unique responsibility to proclaim the enduring value of marriage, family life, parenthood, and openness to children, reaching far beyond the community of the faithful. History suggests that the Church's witness can influence demographic trends. The pastoral visits of Saint John Paul II to Latin America and the initiatives of the Georgian Patriarch Ilia II were both followed by measurable increases in births.
On its tenth anniversary, Amoris Laetitia reminds us of the beauty of marriage, family life, parenthood, and openness to children. It also calls the Church to accompany families, strengthen intergenerational solidarity, and create communities in which children and families can flourish. In light of this vision, how can the Church respond to the challenges of demographic change?
We will examine these questions together with internationally renowned experts in theology, philosophy, human biology, and politics. We are particularly pleased to welcome participants from our neighbouring countries who are engaged in family ministry and pastoral care as well as pastoral workers from across the world.