Theology of Aging. A Contribution from Pope Francis

Abstract

The current growth of the population of the elderly is a new challenge for theology, especially for theological anthropology and pastoral theology. This problem is also a theme of great importance in papal teaching. It shows care about the elderly in the occasional speeches, catechesis and sermons of popes St. John Paul II (1978–2005), Benedict XVI (2005–2013) and Francis (2013–). This paper analysis the teaching of Pope Francis, presenting essential aspects of his theology of aging as well as his contribution to the Christian theology of aging. In the light of recent papal reflections on the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly were presented essential aspects of his theology of aging as well as his contribution to the Christian theology of aging. This article demonstrated in sequence: firstly, contemporary forms of exclusion of older people (1); then the need for cooperation and solidarity between old and young (2) and finally the importance of the memories of the elderly for the future of mankind (3).