Pope Francis on the Gifts of Older Catholics

"Old age 'is not a disease, it's a privilege,' and Catholic dioceses and parishes miss a huge and growing resource if they ignore their senior members, Pope Francis said.

"'We must change our pastoral routines to respond to the presence of so many older people in our families and communities,' the pope told Catholic seniors and pastoral workers from around the world [near the end of a three-day conference on the pastoral care of the elderly sponsored by the Vatican Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life].

"The Catholic Church at every level, he said, must respond to the longer life expectancies and changing demographics evident around the world."

A recent article in The Pilot reported on Pope Francis' presentation of this message.

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The Pilot: Church must recognize the gifts of older Catholics, pope says (7 FEB 20)