Pope Francis Urges Care and Love for Elderly in Powerful Speech to Grandchildren

Inese Steinert – Vatican

Speaking to his grandchildren, the Holy Father emphasized that “love makes us wiser”. Francis reminded the representatives of the younger generation that their “grandparents in memory live in a world that has lost its memory, and if the memory is lost, it ends.”

The Pope cited the example of two old men, Simeon and Anna. They were the first to recognize Jesus in the little child when Mary and Joseph brought him to the holy place (cf. Lk 2:22-38). The old men understood what was happening, that God was there, very present, looking at them with the eyes of a Child. Only the two old people – Simeon and Anna – understood that the Messiah, the Redeemer of all, had come. “The old men were the ones who understood the Mystery,” the Pope recalled.

The Holy Father noted that almost all old people wear glasses, but in reality they see far. Is it possible? Francis explained that they see far because they have lived for many years and have a lot to teach, such as how terrible war is. In this regard, the Pope remembers his grandfather, who knew about the First World War.

“Ask your grandparents and don’t reject them,” said the Bishop of Rome, remembering that “rejection of the elderly destroys not only old age, but at every stage of life.” In this regard, he remembered his visit to a nursing home, when one of the residents, when asked if children visit her, replied that yes, they always visit her. However, after leaving the room, he learned from the nursing home worker that, in fact, children do not come more than twice a year. “Grandparents are generous, they know how to hide bad things,” said the Pope, speaking to the new generation today and asking them not to destroy the old a man