Pope Francis is still undergoing rehabilitation after a recent surgery and will not be attending Mass for the First World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly.
About 2,000 people will gather in St. Peter's Basilica for Mass on July 25. Archbishop Rino Fisichella will preside.
The pews will be filled by grandparents and elderly persons accompanied by family and friends.
VITTORIO SCELZO
Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life
“In attendance will be hundreds of people who have spent the last 16 months in isolation and who are going out for the first time. Seeing them together in St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday will be something to celebrate.”
Pope Francis established this annual celebration to promote pastoral care for the elderly and grandparents.
CT