Pope Leo: 'Grandparents and elderly are witnesses of hope'

Grandad teaches his grandson pottery. Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV marked the fifth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly and welcomes young pilgrims of hope arriving in Rome for their Jubilee on Sunday. Speaking after the Sunday Angelus with pilgrims in St Peter's Square, the Holy Father reminded those listening that the theme of this special day, is: "Blessed is the one who does not lose hope."

"Let us look to grandparents and the elderly as witnesses of hope, capable of lighting the path for new generations. Let us not leave them alone, but join them in a covenant of love and prayer," he said.

Following his appeal for peace in war-torn nations across the world, the Pope greeted with "particular affection the young people from various countries who have gathered in Rome for the Jubilee of Youth."

"I hope that this will be an opportunity for each of you to encounter Christ, and to be strengthened by him in your faith and in your commitment to following Christ with integrity of life," he said.

Read the full Message for the Fifth World Day for Grandparents:
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2025/07/10/250710b.html