‘I will never forget you’ Isaiah 49:15
The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly was instituted by Pope Francis in 2021. It is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.
The celebration of this day provides an opportunity for the Church, at al levels, to draw close to the elderly; to celebrate their unique role in our families and communities; and to reach out to those who may feel lonely or forgotten. The theme that Pope Leo has chosen for the 2026 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is “I wi l never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15). According to Vatican News, this theme is both a message of comfort and hope for grandparents and elderly people, as wel as a reminder to families and communities not to forget them, but rather to recognise them as “a precious presence and a blessing” (Deborah Caste lano Lubov, Vatican News, 10 February 2026).
Dioceses, parishes, associations, and ecclesial communities across the world are encouraged to mark this day in two important ways: by celebrating the Eucharist together with grandparents and the elderly, and by reaching out to those in our communities who experience loneliness or isolation. These two actions help us to appreciate more deeply the unique vocation of the elderly, who keep us connected to the roots of our faith, pass on the faith to the next generation, and intercede for us.
These actions also help to raise awareness in the wider community of the need to support and pastoraly care for the elderly. As Pope Francis said, this is part of being “a Church that chalenges the throw-away culture with the overflowing joy of a new embrace between young and old!” (General Audience, 11 March 2015).
The resources provided here are designed to support you and your faith community as you celebrate the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Resources from the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life can be found on their website: World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.
