Caritas, the Italian section of the leading international Catholic charity has re-iterated its warning that there may be a risk of increasing social unrest. The warning comes from figures released that state that 7 million young and old, representing 12% of the Italian population live below the breadline. These shocking figures come out despite the fact that Italy is the 7th richest industrial economy in the world.

The industrial and consumer slump in Italy was instigated by the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US, and unemployment in the country now stands at 8.4%, 27% of whom are under twenty-five years of age.

Caritas International consists of 162 Catholic relief, development and social service organisations, who work in more than 200 countries and territories. It is one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks.

The charity has been extremely alarmed with the ever spiralling number of people who were previously self-reliant, but who in the past three years are turning to it for help.

Last weekend, chaos reigned in Rome, as looting was seen across the city; and these deplorable scenes have only added to Caritas’ worries. The trouble began as left-wing activists staged a ‘proletarian shopping spree’, pillaging high street stores in protest against the rich-poor divide, which the activists say has been caused by globalisation.

In efforts to defuse the tense situation across the country, a more peaceful international initiative has been backed by many Christians – ‘No Shopping Day’, which will take place on the final Friday of November. The event will see the Media Foundation and Adbusters (from Canada) promote consumers not to buy for at least 24 hours.

In addition to pointing out the quandary of the poor in the consumer society, Caritas Italy has also been actively reporting on the social exclusion and justice for immigrants. It is hoped that through their efforts that practical social aid in Italy and other countries can be provided.