As the Church prepares to celebrate the Sixth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly this July, Pope Leo XIV is reminding older Catholics that they remain deeply loved by God and indispensable to the life of the Church.
In a message released by the Vatican ahead of the observance, Pope Leo reflected on the theme, “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15), offering words of encouragement to elderly men and women who may struggle with loneliness, illness, or feelings of abandonment.
Drawing from the prophet Isaiah, the Holy Father pointed to God’s unwavering love for His people. According to Vatican News, Pope Leo emphasized that God has “engraved our faces on the palms of His hands” and that His love is even greater than a mother’s love for her child.
The Pope acknowledged that many elderly people experience a painful sense of being forgotten, especially when age, sickness, or isolation leave them feeling overlooked by society. Yet he stressed that these experiences do not diminish their dignity or their place within God’s family.
The annual World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, he said, provides an opportunity for the Church to rediscover its calling to be a spiritual mother to all people. Regardless of age or circumstance, every person remains a beloved child of God.
Pope Leo also issued a special invitation to younger generations. According to Vatican News, he encouraged young people to revive the practice of visiting grandparents, elderly relatives, and those who may have no one to visit them. Through these encounters, he said, the elderly can experience the closeness and affection of the Church.
The Holy Father reflected on the spiritual value of old age, reminding the faithful that growing older does not mean becoming less important in God’s plan. Instead, it can become a time of profound spiritual renewal.
“It is never too late to begin turning to Him. It can be a great gift for everyone,” Pope Leo said, speaking about those who may have reached advanced age without a deep experience of faith.
Addressing the fears that often accompany aging, he offered reassurance to those struggling with weakness or dependence on others. “I would like to say to you: do not be afraid of fragility!” he said, adding that elderly men and women remain “called” by God and capable of spiritual growth.
The Pope further noted that older Catholics often carry a unique concern for the future, particularly as they think about the world their children and grandchildren will inherit. Amid ongoing wars and social unrest, he invited the elderly to join him in fervent prayer for peace.
Concluding his message, Pope Leo expressed gratitude for the prayers offered daily by older members of the Church, especially those who pray the Rosary. Their prayers, he suggested, remain a powerful source of support for the Church and the world.
He closed with a simple but profound reminder of God’s faithfulness, praying: “May the Lord always renew us in faith, hope and love — He who never forgets us!”
The Sixth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated throughout the Catholic Church on the fourth Sunday of July.
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