At the Aula Magna of LUMSA University in Rome, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness Pope Francis, presented Matthew Fforde’s latest book, “The Pastoral Care of Solitude: A New Proposal.” The book explores a pressing issue of our times: the epidemic of loneliness, which Cardinal Parolin described as a pervasive “sign of the times” and a symptom of the cultural crises of modern Western societies.
Reflecting on the causes of this growing crisis, Cardinal Parolin highlighted the role of individualism and indifference in creating a culture that isolates and discards, saying:
“Our time is marked by individualism and indifference, which generate loneliness and lead to the discarding of many lives. This is our culture today: individualism and indifference, which generate loneliness and provoke discarding—the culture of waste.”
Fforde, a Christian historian and scholar based in Rome, has dedicated much of his academic career to examining the process of secularization and its impact on European societies, particularly in Great Britain. His book delves into the cultural and spiritual void left by the retreat of Christian values and practices, which once formed the bedrock of community and belonging.
“The author seeks to explain the causes of the pandemic of loneliness in the West, addressing a topic not commonly explored by secular sensibilities—namely, the consequences of the retreat, weakening, and, in some cases, the extinction of Christian culture,” Cardinal Parolin comments.
Echoing the concerns of Pope Francis, Cardinal Parolin underscored the urgency of addressing loneliness as a societal challenge, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly:
“Pope Francis noted, ‘One of the most widespread illnesses I see today in Europe is the loneliness of those who lack bonds. This is particularly evident among the elderly, who are often abandoned to their fate.’”
Cardinal Parolin’s presentation served not only as an endorsement of Fforde’s work but also as a clarion call for renewed efforts to counter the culture of isolation and indifference. By addressing the root causes of loneliness and offering concrete solutions, “The Pastoral Care of Solitude” aims to inspire both the Church and society to act.
Adapted by Jacob Stein
