Promote life and resist the temptations of irresponsible economics that fuel war and death, the Italian bishops' conference has said.

"Teaching about life means getting involved in a civilised revolution that heals the throwaway culture, the mentality of falling birthrates and demographic collapse, promoting the defense of every human person from the first blossoming of life until its natural end," it said.

The permanent council of the Italian bishops' conference issued its message for Italy's pro-life day for 2017, celebrated on February 5. The message was dated October 22, the memorial of St John Paul II.