I will never forget you (Isaiah 49:15)

“I will never forget you.” This promise from Isaiah 49:15 is the theme for the 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, celebrated on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Established by Pope Francis in 2021 and now carried forward by Pope Leo XIV, this Day calls the Church to honour grandparents and elders not with occasional gestures, but with lasting closeness, gratitude, and care.
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The Vatican Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life is asking all the faithful to place emphasis on closeness: reaching out directly to those who live alone, are staying in care homes, or have no visitors. It is an opportunity for everyone, especially the young, to spend time with grandparents, elderly family members, and above all, those who are completely isolated.

Resources:

• Read Pope Leo XIV Letter for 2026 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly | English - French
• Pastoral Toolkit 2026 | English - French:
  • Prayer for the 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly (pg. 4)
  • Pastoral Guidelines (pg. 6)
  • Liturgical Resources (Pg. 9)
  • Suggestions for the Prayers of the Faithful (pg. 10)
  • Blessing for Grandparents and the Elderly ​(pg. 11)

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Simple ways to celebrate 

In your parish:

• Dedicate a Mass on Sunday, July 26 (or the surrounding days) to grandparents and the elderly, arranging transport for those who cannot travel independently. 
• Involve young people in personally presenting the Holy Father's message during the celebration.
• Bring the Mass (and the message) to those in hospitals and care homes, visiting bedridden residents room to room, not just communal areas.
• Ask Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to extend their usual visits, setting aside extra time for listening.
• Dedicate the collection from the Day's Masses to local projects supporting elderly people in need.
• Ensure elderly parishioners have ample opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
• Invite the elderly of your parish to gather and reflect on the Pope's message, and distribute copies to all participants, perhaps as the start of an ongoing reflection group.
• Ask the elderly to offer a special prayer for youth and for peace, honouring intercession as a true vocation of old age.
• Gather young people a few weeks ahead of time to plan visits, and invite them to share the Day's message online using the hashtag #NonnieAnziani.

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In your home:

• Visit or call an elderly loved one, or someone who may not receive many visitors: bring a small gift, like a flower, and read the Day's message and prayer together. 
• Help older generations and their families joyfully resume the habit of attending Mass together.
• Invite families to visit elderly neighbours in their own building or block, to build closer community bonds.
• Pray together for the elderly who are alone, sick, or grieving.

What Pope Leo XIV wants us to remember

In his message for this year's Day, Pope Leo XIV writes that Isaiah's promise, "I will never forget you," answers the feelings of many who wonder whether the Lord has forgotten them, a feeling he says is shared by many elderly people. He describes how, in homes where loneliness reigns and in care facilities, a person's uniqueness can risk being reduced to a bed number or an illness.

To the elderly themselves, the Pope writes with tenderness: "Do not be afraid of fragility!" This reminds them that this very weakness "holds within itself a new potential that also illuminates the other stages of life." The Holy Father describes old age as a season that is at once "fragile" and "called," a time when, as the prophet says, "In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength" (Is 30:15).

He also thanks the elderly directly for their daily prayers, especially the Rosary, and asks them to join him in praying for peace in a world "so harshly marked by the violence of war and social unrest."

Read Pope Leo XIV's full message here | English - French​

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​Blessing of Long Life

God of mercy, who has granted these your children the gift of a long life, pour out your blessing upon them.

Let them feel the sweetness and strength of your presence. As they look back on the past, may they rejoice in your mercy; and, as they look to the future, may they persevere in the hope that never dies.

To you be praise and glory for ever and ever. Amen."

Prayer Source: Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life 

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Sources: Message of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly (15 June 2026); Pastoral Toolkit, Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life.