Pope says society is measured by how it treats its elderly

November 12, 2012 - Pope Benedict XVI on Monday called on society to accept old people as a treasure and blessing, saying the quality of society or civilization is also judged by the way it treats its elderly. Pope Benedict made the remark during a visit to an old-age home in Rome called “Long Live the Elderly” run by the Community of San Egidio, a lay Catholic group. During the hour-long visit, the Pope recalled that the Bible considers longevity as God’s blessing that is to be esteemed and valued, but often society, dominated by the logic of efficiency and profit, considers senior citizens as non-productive and useless. Many times they suffer marginalization, live far from their homes or in loneliness. He called on families and public institutions to keep old people in their own homes. “The quality of a society, or a civilization, is judged also by the way the elderly are treated or the place accorded them in common life,” the Pope said, adding, “One who gives place to the elderly gives place to life!” “One who welcomes the elderly welcomes life!”
Endearing himself to the elderly of the home, the 85 year old Pontiff said, “I come among you as the Bishop of Rome, but also as an elderly visiting his counterparts.” He said he was well aware of their difficulties and problems, which have aggravated with the economic crisis. But he told them “it is beautiful being old” as every age has the Lord’s blessings. “In our face, let there be always the joy of being loved by God, and never by sadness,” he urged. The Pope visited the old age home on the occasion of the 2012 European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations. He praised the Community of San Egidio saying by building solidarity between young people and the elderly, it has helped the Church in being understood as a family of all generations where each one feels at home and where the logic of profit or having does not rule, but only selflessness and love. “When life becomes fragile in old age, it never loses its value and dignity; every one of us, in whatever phase of existence, is wished and loved by God, everyone is important and necessary, “ the Pope added.