Grandparents were the star in one of the most endearing events at the Vatican. More than 6,000 elderly, many accompanied by their grandchildren, attended the Mass presided over by Pope Francis on the occasion of the Third World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly.
The Pope believes the elderly are one of the great pillars of society. For this reason, he interrupted his July vacation to be present at this celebration and speak about the necessity of intergenerational dialogue.
POPE FRANCIS
We need a new alliance between young and old, so that the essence of those who have a long experience of life behind them may nourish the hope of those who are growing up. In this fruitful exchange we learn the beauty of life, we make a fraternal society a reality, and in the Church we enable the dialogue between tradition and the newness of the Spirit.
Pope Francis spoke once again about throwaway culture. This time, he appealed to politicians to not forget the elderly.
POPE FRANCIS
Let us ensure that our crowded cities do not become “concentrations of loneliness,” that politics, designed to attend to the needs of the most fragile, do not forget the elderly or allow the market to relegate them to “unproductive waste.”
This is the third annual day dedicated to the elderly. Although it was an initiative promoted by the Pope in 2021, it is the first time that Francis has presided over this celebration.
CA
TR: AT
