Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed the dignity and mission of elderly people within the life of the Church, describing them as a “gift and blessing” who enrich Christian witness. Addressing participants of the Second International Congress on the Pastoral Care of the Elderly, held in Rome from October 2–4 and organized by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, the Pope urged the Church to give space to the elderly in her missionary outreach.

The congress, held under the theme “Your elders shall dream dreams!”, brought together Church leaders, pastoral workers, and delegates from across the world. In his address on Friday, Pope Leo XIV recalled the vision of Pope Francis, who emphasized the need for a living “alliance” between young and old where the wisdom of those who have tr

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