Pope Leo XIV is reminding grandparents and elderly people around the world that they remain deeply loved by God, regardless of age, health, or circumstance. In his message for the Sixth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, which will be celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July, the Holy Father reflected on the theme, “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15).

Drawing from the words of the prophet Isaiah, Pope Leo emphasized God’s enduring love for every person. The Lord assures His people that they are never forgotten and that His care surpasses even a mother’s love for her child. These words, he said, offer hope to those who struggle with loneliness or the feeling of being overlooked.

The Pope acknowledged that many elderly people experience these challenges, particularly when illness, isolation, or physical limitations become part of daily life. But he stressed that old age does not diminish a person’s dignity or place within the family of God. The annual observance of the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, he explained, is an opportunity for the Church to reaffirm that every person remains a beloved son or daughter of God.

Pope Leo also directed a special appeal to younger generations. He encouraged families and communities to revive the practice of visiting grandparents, elderly relatives, and those who may have no one to accompany them. Such visits, he said, are a concrete way of showing Christian charity and reminding older members of the faithful that they are valued and remembered.

Reflecting on the spiritual journey of old age, the Holy Father noted that some people encounter God’s tenderness later in life, while others may be rediscovering the faith after many years away. He emphasized that it is never too late to turn to the Lord and experience His mercy. Even amid physical weakness and fragility, older men and women continue to have an important vocation in the Church and the world.

The Pope also recognized the concerns many grandparents carry for future generations, especially during a time marked by war, violence, and social unrest. He invited elderly Catholics to join him in praying for peace, particularly for the sake of their children and grandchildren.

Concluding his message, Pope Leo expressed gratitude for the prayers and sacrifices offered by elderly faithful throughout the world, especially those who faithfully pray the Rosary. He assured them of his prayers and entrusted them to the Lord, who continually renews His people in faith, hope, and love.