Pope Benedict said Saturday that Europe seems to be losing faith in its future as few children are being born in most countries.

"One must unfortunately note that Europe seems to be going down a road which could lead it to take its leave from history," the pontiff told bishops in Rome for ceremonies to mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome, a major step toward the creation of today's European Union."

This article gives a brief rundown on some of the demographic challenges facing Europe on the eve of its fiftieth anniversary.