Pope Francis has shared his reflections on aging and death in a new book. The Pope emphasizes that death is not the end, but rather a new beginning. The reflections are part of a book that will be available in bookstores starting April 24. The Pope encourages embracing old age and not fearing it, highlighting the importance of accepting death as a natural part of life.
19 days ago
Pope Francis, in his reflections released by the Vatican, addresses the themes of aging and death, emphasizing that death is not the end but a new beginning 1. The reflections are part of the preface written by the late Pope Francis for Cardinal Angelo Scola's book, "Awaiting a New Beginning. Reflections on Old Age" 2. This new beginning signifies the start of eternal life, which those who love begin to experience on earth 2.
Pope Francis encourages embracing old age rather than fearing it 2. He stresses the importance of viewing this stage of life as a grace, accepting diminished strength and fatigue with gratitude 2. By accepting the realities of aging with thankfulness, old age can become a fruitful period capable of radiating goodness 2.
The Pope highlights the significant human and social value of grandparents 2. He emphasizes their fundamental role in the balanced development of the young and the creation of a more peaceful society 2. Grandparents provide a far-sighted vision, memory of the past, and enduring values, serving as beacons of wisdom in a society often devoted to the ephemeral 2.
The Church provides comprehensive teachings on death, eternal life, and hope, offering a framework for understanding the end of earthly life and the promise of what is to come.
Death, understood as the separation of the soul from the body, is a consequence of sin . However, in the face of death, the Church proclaims that God created each person for eternal life . The Christian meaning of death is revealed in the light of the Paschal mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus . Christians, having been made worthy of divine life through Baptism, already participate in the resurrection .
Eternal life is a gift from God . It is the life of God himself and, simultaneously, the life of the children of God . This eternal life, offered through Jesus, is not merely existence prolonged indefinitely but a participation in God's own life . The beatitude of eternal life is a gratuitous and supernatural gift . Hope finds its essence in the belief of life everlasting .
Hope is a theological virtue through which individuals desire and await eternal life from God . It is a virtue, poured out by God, that allows people to firmly trust that God will give them eternal life and the means to obtain it . Christian hope is expressed through the beatitudes . Hope, along with faith and charity, constitutes the theological virtues .