By Charles Igwe
On July 28, 2024, the Church commemorated the Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, an event instituted by Pope Francis in 2021. Following his Sunday Angelus address in St. Peter’s Square, the Holy Father highlighted the day’s theme, “Do not cast me off in my old age” (Psalm 71:9).
Pope Francis emphasized the importance of not abandoning the elderly, particularly during the summer months when loneliness can become a heavy burden. He urged the faithful to heed the call of the elderly, who implore, “Do not abandon me!” and to respond with, “I will not abandon you!”
The Pope called for efforts to strengthen the bond between grandparents and grandchildren, and between young people and the elderly. “Let us say ‘no’ to the loneliness of the elderly,” he appealed, stressing that the future depends significantly on fostering these intergenerational relationships.
“Let us not forget the elderly!” Pope Francis exclaimed, concluding his address with a heartfelt gesture: “And a round of applause for all the grandparents, all of them.”
