Pope Leo: 'We Will Be Signs of Hope, Whatever Our Age.'

Vatican, July 12, 2025: In his Message for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly—celebrated annually on the Sunday closest to the feast of Saints Anne and Joachim, the grandparents of Jesus—Pope Leo offers a moving reflection on the enduring power of hope in old age. Marking this year’s celebration, which falls on July 27 and coincides with the Jubilee Year, the Pope draws from Scripture and life experience to affirm that hope remains a source of deep joy throughout every stage of life.

Pope Leo emphasises that hope is not diminished with age but deepened. “Hope is a constant source of joy, whatever our age,” he writes, adding, “when that hope has also been tempered by fire over the course of a long life, it proves a source of deep happiness.” His message meditates on biblical figures—Abraham and Sarah, Zechariah and Elizabeth, Moses—who were all called by God in old age to play pivotal roles in salvation history.

Referencing the Jubilee Year, he reiterates, “The Jubilee we are now celebrating helps us to realize that hope is a constant source of joy... tempered by fire... it proves a source of deep happiness.”

The Elderly: First Witnesses of Hope

Pope Leo highlights that Scripture portrays old age not as a decline but as a time of blessing and grace. The elderly, he says, are “the first witnesses of hope,” and their lives—marked by faith, devotion, civic virtue, and social commitment—form a “precious legacy” for younger generations. While they may require the support of the young, the elderly still play a vital role in guiding youth with wisdom, helping them “to build the future with wisdom.” This legacy, the Pope affirms, is both “a source of gratitude and a summons to perseverance.”

Liberation from Loneliness

While praising the role of the elderly, Pope Leo also acknowledges their struggles. Echoing the Jubilee’s call to liberation, he urges the Church and society to help older persons, particularly those experiencing loneliness or neglect. He warns against the marginalisation of the elderly and calls for “a change of pace” in society, beginning with every parish assuming greater responsibility.

“Every parish is called to support the elderly,” he writes, “forging relationships that restore hope and dignity to those who feel forgotten.” He also references Pope Francis’ call for communities to seek out elderly individuals living alone and reminds the faithful of the opportunity to gain a Jubilee indulgence by visiting the elderly.

Signs of Enduring Hope

Encouraging the elderly to remain hopeful, Pope Leo affirms their enduring capacity to love and pray. “Our affection for our loved ones does not fade when our strength wanes,” he writes. “It revives our energy and brings us hope and comfort.” He emphasises that no difficulty can take away the freedom to love and to pray—an ever-present source of hope.

“These signs of hope,” he says, “give us courage” and remind us that even as the body ages, “our inner self” is continually renewed. As older individuals continue to live their faith, share wisdom, and foster unity, they become powerful signs of hope to the world.

“Especially as we grow older,” Pope Leo concludes, “let us press forward with confidence in the Lord... and lovingly pass on the faith we have lived for so many years.” In doing so, “we will be signs of hope, whatever our age.”

Courtesy: Vatican News