This year marks the fourth edition of the World Day dedicated to grandparents and the elderly. Pope Francis launched this initiative in 2021 with a special reason behind it.
VITTORIO SCELZO
Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life
It was not a random date. It was the year immediately after the first wave of the COVID pandemic, and the Pope wanted to draw attention to this population that had been hit so hard, especially in the first wave. Most of those who were victims were the elderly. So we can say this day is another sign of the Church's care for the elderly.
Unlike in previous years, there will be no Mass in St. Peter's Basilica with Pope Francis. Scelzo says the idea is to place a greater emphasis on celebrating the day in the local dioceses in two ways: visiting the elderly and holding a Mass where they can join in.
VITTORIO SCELZO
Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life
Unfortunately after COVID, for many elderly people, it has been difficult to go back to Mass. We have seen a decrease in attendance of the elderly in church and we would like this to be a day for an opportunity to get people back to church.
This is meant to be a day without loneliness and the invitation is to everyone to go out and visit the loneliest elderly.
Those who visit the elderly on this day will receive a plenary indulgence. And it follows the message for this year, which is “Do not cast me off in my old age.”
VITTORIO SCELZO
Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life
We need to remember the elderly all year round. The elderly, in some places of the world, are a very, very large percentage. For example, in Italy and Germany, they are a quarter of the population. This is not something we can forget. Our churches are full of elderly people, so it is necessary to give them routine and continuous pastoral attention.
Scelzo says it will be difficult to see changes in the care of the elderly. But the Dicastery has received reports that some countries, like Brazil, Colombia and Peru, have been placing a greater emphasis and care for the elderly in recent years.
KG
