As the Church joyously celebrated the 3rd World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, Pope Francis took center stage, presiding over Mass in the grand St. Peter’s Basilica, where around 8,000 elderly people from across Italy gathered to participate in the meaningful occasion.

The theme chosen for this year's World Day was "His mercy is from age to age," a beautiful reflection inspired by a passage from Luke's Gospel. Pope Francis, in his heartfelt homily, delved into the three parables from the day's Gospel reading, each sharing a common theme of "growing together."

Drawing from the first parable, the Pope emphasized the importance of realism in life, recognizing that both good and evil coexist in the world and within each of us. He cautioned against seeking a "pure society" or "pure Church" through aggressive means, stressing the significance of patience in the face of evil.

Pope Francis acknowledged that the elderly often look back with nostalgia and regret, but he invited them to embrace the mystery of life with serenity, leaving judgment to God.

The second parable, comparing the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed, held special significance for the Pope as he spoke about the process of growing up and growing old. Like a large tree offering shade and comfort, grandparents play a crucial role in nurturing their children and grandchildren with love and tenderness. He believed that this loving exchange could enrich life, foster a sense of fraternity, and bridge tradition with the newness of the Spirit within the Church.

The third parable, illustrating the mixing of yeast and flour, symbolized the importance of intergenerational exchange. By overcoming individualism and selfishness, Pope Francis expressed his hope that the elderly would never feel marginalized or abandoned in their loneliness.

In his concluding remarks, the Pope passionately urged both the young and the elderly to share their gifts and experiences, grow together, and support each other through active listening and meaningful dialogue.

The touching Mass concluded with a heartwarming gesture. A group of grandparents symbolically handed World Youth Day crosses to several young participants who will be attending the upcoming WYD event in Lisbon, Portugal.

This powerful act exemplified the Pope's message of intergenerational unity and solidarity, encouraging the young to learn from their elders while building a harmonious and compassionate society.

As the Mass concluded, the profound impact of the celebration was felt, inspiring everyone present to cherish the wisdom and love shared between the generations, embracing the theme "His mercy is from age to age" with renewed purpose and hope for a brighter future.