Pope Leo has chosen “Blessed are those who have not lost hope” (cf. Sir 14:2) – as the theme for the 2025 celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Read his message on the Vatican website (multiple languages)
Established by Pope Francis in 2021, the World Day is commemorated on the fourth Sunday of July to coincide with the feasts of Sts. Joachim and Anne. The 2025 World Day was celebrated on Sunday, July 27.
Transfer of the World Day celebration in the U.S.
The U.S. bishops have since approved the transfer of the celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in the U.S. to the first Sunday after Labor Day in September to coincide with National Grandparents (and the Elderly) Day in the United States, as many local communities, schools, and parishes have celebrated for some time.
Read Bishop Walkowiak’s March 2021 FAITH GR column “Pope shines a light on family life” in
English (p.2) & Español (p.3)
Additional resources:
USCCB website
Catholic Grandparents Association
Prayer for Grandparents composed by Pope Benedict XVI
