Pope Leo XIV: Ageing is a 'Gift and Blessing', Calls for Inclusive Support
Pope Leo XIV, marking his 70th birthday, has shared his thoughts on ageing and the elderly. He sees them as a 'gift and a blessing', and a longer life as a 'sign of hope'. The Pope's remarks came during an international conference on pastoral care for the elderly, held in Vatican City in October 2025.
The conference, organised by the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life, saw the Pope emphasise the importance of embracing human weakness in old age. He encouraged the elderly not to shy away from seeking help when needed. Leo XIV also highlighted the significance of getting old, describing it as 'part of the wonder of creation'.
In his address, the Pope suggested drawing from Pope Francis' catechesis on old age to develop a spirituality of the elderly. He also stressed the need to create opportunities for the elderly to be actively involved in parish life and missionary dynamics.
Pope Leo XIV's words serve as a reminder of the value and dignity of the elderly. While the specifics of the conference, including the delegates who participated, remain unclear, his message of hope and inclusion is evident. The Pope's call to action encourages communities to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for the elderly.
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