Poverty levels remain high in Tuscany according to a new Caritas report

The 2026 Poverty Report, titled "Invisible Fractures," shows that 29,239 people sought assistance from Caritas listening centers in Tuscany during 2025. This figure represents a 0.2% decrease from 2024, but remains the second highest level recorded since 2007.

The report indicates that while the number of people seeking help for the first time fell to 24.1% from 26.1%, those requiring assistance for at least six years rose to 40.3%. More than half of current users, 54.7%, made their first contact with the organization from 2021 onward.

Bishop Mario Vaccari, Bishop of Massa Carrara Pontremoli and delegate for Caritas to the Tuscan Episcopal Conference, spoke at the report's presentation in Florence. Other speakers included Alessandro Salvi of the Tuscany Region, TosCaritas President Nicola Luongo, and the new regional delegate for Caritas Tuscany, Father Vittorio Giglio.