World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

Sunday, 26 July 2026

“The theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV for the 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly – “I will never forget you” (Is 49:15) – reminds us that God’s unwavering love is the ultimate answer to the isolation and neglect so often experienced by the elderly. It brings comfort and hope, assuring us that the Lord knows each of us personally, forgets no one, and loves us unconditionally, even through the frailties of old age” (excerpt from the letter of the Prefect and Secretary for the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life).

Message from His Holiness Leo XIV for the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

Kit with pastoral guidelines for the celebration

The pastoral kit is available on the website of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life. All materials are freely downloadable and are useful for sharing and promoting the Day in preparation for celebrations in parishes and dioceses, at the local, national, or international level.

Prayer for the 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

Holy Father
Who watches over every person
Watch over me too when I am elderly.
You have revealed your name to me in Christ,
And You were not discouraged by my frailties.
You hold me tenderly in your hands,
And You caress my lines.
You will never forget me! (see Is 49:15).

Grant that I may not fear my weakness;
Help me learn to love it
Just as You love it.
Help me learn to listen to it
Just as You listen to it.
Help me embrace it
Just as You have chosen it –
You who, though all-powerful, clothed yourself in humility.

May growing old strip away all our pride
and all division
So that we may live these years
united in You.
You will never forget us! (see Is 49:15)

Amen.