Pope Leo XIV delivered a message of hope and care for the elderly on World Day for Grandparents. The Pope emphasized the importance of supporting and valuing grandparents and elderly family members. He highlighted that hope brings joy regardless of age. The Pope referenced biblical figures as examples of God's saving power in the lives of the elderly. The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated on July 27.
2 months ago
Pope Leo XIV has issued a message of hope and care for the elderly in anticipation of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which is celebrated on July 27 1. The Holy Father emphasized that hope is a constant source of joy regardless of age, citing biblical figures like Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and Zechariah as examples of God's providential care for those in their later years 1. He highlighted that old age is a time of blessing and grace, and the elderly are considered primary witnesses of hope 1.
The Pope noted that the increasing number of elderly people is a significant "sign of the times" that requires discernment 1. He stressed that embracing the elderly helps society understand that life extends beyond the present moment and should not be wasted on superficial interactions 1. While the young provide strength, the elderly offer wisdom and witness, crucial for building the future 1. Pope Leo XIV also recalled Pope Francis's emphasis on reaching out to those who are alone, noting that a Jubilee indulgence can be obtained by visiting isolated elderly individuals 1.
Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful to overcome indifference and prevent feelings of loneliness and abandonment among the elderly, lamenting that societies often marginalize this enriching part of life 1. He called for every parish, association, and church group to lead a "revolution of gratitude and care" 1. This revolution involves regular visits, establishing support and prayer networks, and fostering relationships that restore hope and dignity to those who feel forgotten 1. The Pope encouraged the elderly not to lose hope, reminding them of their freedom to love and pray, and to continue passing on the faith they have lived 1.
In a separate development, Bishop Alberto Rojas of the San Bernardino diocese in California has granted a dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation for parishioners who genuinely fear deportation 3. This decision was made in response to a significant drop in attendance at Spanish language Masses, which has been down by approximately 50% since immigration enforcement raids began in Southern California 3. The diocese reported two instances in June 2025 where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions occurred on church properties, leading to detentions and arrests 3.
Bishop Rojas stated that the Church stands with immigrant communities during this trying time and aims to alleviate the burden of not fulfilling Mass obligations 3. He encouraged those dispensed to maintain spiritual communion through personal prayer and urged priests to support affected individuals, exploring alternative means of catechesis and sacramental preparation 3. This action follows a similar dispensation granted by the Diocese of Nashville in May 2025 3. ICE maintains that while it does not indiscriminately take enforcement actions at sensitive locations like churches, all individuals in violation of immigration law may be subject to arrest 3.
How does the Church define care for the vulnerable?
The Catholic Church defines care for the vulnerable through the principle of the "preferential option for the poor and vulnerable," which is a fundamental aspect of its social teaching . This principle emphasizes that those who are poor, marginalized, or in any way vulnerable have a special place in Catholic teaching and that society will be judged by its response to them .
The Church's understanding of care for the vulnerable is rooted in several key aspects:
The Church teaches that to welcome and serve the poor and vulnerable is to welcome and serve Christ himself, as Jesus identified with them in a special way (cf. Mt 25:40) . Scripture indicates that humanity will be judged by its response to "the least of these," in whom the suffering face of Christ is seen .
Every individual, without exception, is created in the image of God and redeemed by the Blood of Christ, possessing an equal and inalienable dignity . This dignity is inherent and cannot be taken away by any situation or circumstances of poverty or abandonment . Therefore, persons have value in themselves, apart from their economic, cultural, and social status .
The Church's preferential option for the poor and vulnerable includes a wide range of individuals who are marginalized. This encompasses:
Care for the vulnerable involves both direct assistance and systemic change:
In essence, the Church's care for the vulnerable is a comprehensive commitment to upholding the dignity of every human person, especially those most in need, driven by the example of Christ and expressed through acts of charity, advocacy for justice, and a call to solidarity within the human family .