Pope pays tribute to the elderly

October 17, 2016

Pope Francis paid tribute to the importance of the elderly and of grandparents during an October 15 audience with members of Italy’s National Association of Elderly Workers and the “Feder Anziani” Italian Senior Federation.

The elderly “are an essential part of the Christian community and of society and, in particular, represent the roots and memory of the people,” the Pope said in his remarks, delivered in the Paul VI Audience Hall, in which he spoke of grandparents who pass on the faith to their grandchildren.

“In a world such as ours today, in which often the myth of force and appearance prevails, you have the mission of bearing witness to the values that truly count, and which remain for ever, as they are inscribed in the heart of every human being and guaranteed by the word of God,” he added. “Precisely as people of advanced years, you – or rather we, as I too form part of this group – are called upon to work for the development of a culture of life, showing that every season of existence is a gift from God, and has its beauty and its importance, even if marked by frailty.”

 

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Further information:

• Udienza ai Membri dell’Associazione Nazionale Lavoratori Anziani e della Senior Italia FederAnziani, 15.10.2016 (Holy See Press Office)