Pope Leo XIV declared the elderly a “blessing to be welcomed” during a Mass in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, urging Catholics to cherish the sanctity of life at every stage and reject a culture that marginalizes the aged.
The pontiff’s remarks, delivered during the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, underscored the pro-life conviction that all human life—from conception to natural death—holds inherent dignity.
From a pro-life perspective, the pope’s message is a powerful rebuke of societal trends that devalue the elderly, often treating them as burdens rather than treasures whose wisdom and experience enrich communities.
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Addressing thousands gathered for the Jubilee Year of Hope, Pope Leo emphasized, “Elderly people are a blessing to be welcomed, a treasure to be cherished, and a gift to society.”
He called for renewed efforts to evangelize and accompany the elderly, ensuring they feel valued and connected to the Church’s mission.
The Mass, attended by grandparents, their families, and caregivers, highlighted the Church’s commitment to defending life at its most vulnerable stages.
Pope Leo warned against a “throwaway culture” that discards the elderly, stating, “Neglecting our elders or considering them a burden betrays the Gospel of life.” He urged Catholics to build “networks of solidarity” to support the elderly, fostering intergenerational bonds that affirm their God-given dignity.
Pro-life advocates see the pope’s words as a call to action to protect the elderly from neglect, isolation, and policies that undermine their worth, such as euthanasia or inadequate care systems. The pontiff encouraged young people to “listen to the stories of their grandparents” and learn from their faith, noting that such connections strengthen the Church’s witness to the sanctity of life.
Pope Leo also highlighted the elderly’s role in evangelization, saying, “Their lived experience is a testimony of faith that can inspire the young.” He invited parishes to create opportunities for the elderly to share their wisdom, reinforcing their place in the Church’s mission.
The event, part of the 2025 Jubilee celebrations, included a procession of elderly pilgrims and their families, symbolizing the Church’s embrace of all generations. Pope Leo concluded by praying that the faithful “never tire of welcoming the elderly as brothers and sisters in Christ, whose lives are a precious gift from God.”
For pro-life Catholics, his words reaffirm the Church’s unwavering stance that every life, regardless of age, is sacred and worthy of love.
