Pope Francis calls for an end to loneliness on World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

Pope Francis marked the Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on July 28, emphasizing the importance of ending loneliness among the elderly.

Addressing the crowd in St. Peter's Square after his Angelus, the Pope expressed deep appreciation for all grandparents, highlighting this year's theme: "Do not cast me off in my old age" (Psalm 71:9).

“We cannot grow accustomed to abandoning the elderly,” Pope Francis declared, stressing the importance of listening to their voices.

He called for efforts to strengthen the bond between grandparents and grandchildren, between the young and the old. “Let us say ‘no’ to the loneliness of the elderly. Our future depends a great deal on how grandparents and grandchildren learn to live together,” he urged, calling for a “round of applause” for them.

The Holy Father assured that “God never abandons his children, never. Even when our age advances and our powers decline, when our hair grows white and our role in society lessens, when our lives become less productive and may risk appearing useless. God does not regard appearances; he does not disdain to choose those who, to many people, may seem irrelevant. God discards no stone; indeed, the ‘oldest’ are the firm foundation on which ‘new’ stones can rest, in order to join in erecting a spiritual edifice.”

Pope Francis also highlighted the loneliness caused by various circumstances: “In many places, above all in poorer countries, the elderly find themselves alone because their children are forced to emigrate. I think too of the many situations of conflict. How many of the elderly are left alone because men—youths and adults—have been called to battle, and women, especially those with small children, have left the country to ensure safety for their children.”

The Pope encouraged showing tender love to grandparents and elderly family members, urging people to spend time with those who are disheartened and have lost hope for a different future.

“In place of the self-centered attitude that leads to loneliness and abandonment, let us instead show the open heart and the joyful face of men and women who have the courage to say ‘I will not abandon you,’ and to set out on a different path,” he said.

Pope Francis concluded with a blessing and a personal request: “To all of you, dear grandparents and elderly persons, and to all those who are close to you, I send my blessing, accompanied by my prayers. And I ask you, please, not to forget to pray for me.”