The Vatican has released Pope Leo XIV’s message for the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, saying at any age, people are beloved sons and daughters of God.
While the message was released on Monday, the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be held on July 26, the Feast of St Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The theme for 2026 is “I will never forget you” taken from Isaiah 49:15.
“Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord promises that he will never forget any of us,” Pope Leo XIV begins his message.
“He assures us that he has engraved our faces on the palms of His hands (cf. Is 49:16) and that His love is greater than a mother’s love for her child (cf. Is 49:15).”
Pope Leo said in the text the prophet Isaiah gives us a glimpse of an intimate and intense dialogue in which God addresses, in familiar terms, each person individually and the people as a whole, saying that even today, we can read these words as referring to each of us.
He acknowledged that many elderly people share the painful feeling of being forgotten, as they often experience isolation or loneliness, and can be simply reduced to a bed number or illness.
He also encouraged everyone, especially young people, to visit their grandparents, elderly relatives and friends, and even those who have no one to visit them.
“Bring them, through this message and your presence, the closeness and affection of the Pope,” he said.
He also said God is always drawing people closer to him, even as they age.
“It is never too late to begin turning to Him,” the Holy Father said. “It can be a great gift for everyone.”
World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly was established by Pope Francis in 2021, to be celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July each year. It was created to recognise the special place that the elders of our society have in the human family.
You can read Pope Leo XIV’s message in full here.
