The culture of individualism and quality of consumer are the main causes that thareten the institution of the family, His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State of the Holy See Pietro Parolin stated in the ceremolny held to close the World Congress of Families that took place in Chisinau, IPN reports.

His Eminence said the family should be a proof of love and sacrifice. There are now extremists who make the family ties weaker. In this connection, the church should reassert itself in empowering the family.

Anna Zaborska, a member of the European Parliament from Slovakia, said the family represents the backbone of society, the main source of solidarity that is needed by any society to make progress. The popualtion decline will be one of the most serious challenges during the next half a century. Only the state, by appropriate policies, can ensure the "social contract" of the family for the benefit of all the members of society.

Brian Brown, president of the World Congress of Families, said the family is the institution that makes people remain connected to each other. "We should never be ashamed to love and protect the family," he stated, calling on all those who support the family values to go hand in hand and be an example of love and struggle together against the challenges of life.

President Igor Dodon said many of the participants in the Congress have the same values even if they live in different states or even different continents.

The World Congress of Families took place in Chisinau during September 14-16 under the aegis of the Head of State.

Asked about the organizational costs, Igor Dodon said the given information will be provided after the expenses are added up.