We publish below the text of the Video of the Holy Father with the intention of praying for the month of July disseminated through the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network on the theme Social Friendship, a path proposed for a sick world in the encyclical Fratelli Tutti: “Let us pray that, in conflicting social, economic and political situations, let us be courageous and passionate architects of dialogue and friendship”:

JULY: FOR THE ELDERLY

We cannot speak about family without talking about the importance of the elderly among us.

There have never been so many of us in the history of humanity, but we don’t quite know how to live this new stage of life: there are many plans for assistance for the old age, but few projects for existence.

We elderly people often have a special sensitivity for care, for reflection, and affection.
We are, or we can become, teachers of tenderness. And indeed we can!

In this world accustomed to war, we need a true revolution of tenderness.

We have a great responsibility towards new generations about this.

Let us remember: grandparents and the elderly are the bread that nourishes our lives, the hidden wisdom of a people. That is why we must celebrate them, and I have established a day dedicated to them.

Let us pray for the elderly, that they may become teachers of tenderness so that their experience and wisdom may help young people to look towards the future with hope and responsibility.