Pope: Society is judged on how it treats the elderly
(Vatican Radio) “The quality of a society, I would say of a civilization, is judged
by how well older people are treated and the place reserved for them in community
life. Whoever makes room for the elderly makes room for life! Whoever welcomes the
elderly welcomes life! ", affirmed Pope Benedict XVI during a visit Monday morning
to the Community of Sant'Egidio home for the elderly on the Janiculum Hill, Rome. Emer
McCarthy reports: The Holy Father
was warmly welcomed by the residents and he began by addressing them as his “peers”.
Referring to the current European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations,
the Pope said that "the elderly are a value to society, especially for young people.
There can be no true human growth and education without a fertile contact with the
elderly, because their very existence is like an open book in which the younger generation
can find valuable guidance for life’s journey". However he noted “often society,
dominated by the logic of efficiency and profit, does not accept it as such, and indeed
often rejects it, considering older people as unproductive, useless. Many times you
hear the suffering of those who are marginalized and living far from home or in solitude.
I think there should be a greater commitment, starting from families and public institutions,
to ensure that older people can stay in their homes. The wisdom of life which they
bear is a great wealth” Despite this, the Pope said “even "when life becomes fragile,
in old age, it never loses its value and dignity, each one of us, at any stage of
existence, is wanted, loved by God, everyone is important and necessary". "This
phase of life – said Benedict XVI as he bid farewell - is also a gift to deepen our
relationship with God. The example of Blessed John Paul II was and still is enlightening
for everyone. Do not forget that among the valuable resources that you have is the
essence of prayer: become intercessors with God, praying with faith and constancy.
Pray for the Church, for me, for the needs of the world, for the poor, so that there
may be no more in the world. The prayer of the elderly can protect the world, perhaps
helping it in a more incisive way than the toil of many. Today I would like to entrust
to your prayers the good of the Church and world peace. "