The Gospel of Old Age in the Teachings of the Popes of the 21st Century

Abstract

Demographic and social changes in recent years show that society is aging. There are more and more elderly people who need care and attention, and the younger generation is becoming smaller. The consequences of this situation directly affect families as well as social and ecclesial life. In the life of the Church, we see this, for example, in the popes who have served at the See of Peter in the 21st century – John Paul II, Benedict XVI, Francis, and now Leo XIV. In their teachings, they often addressed the subject of old age, the presence of older people in family, social, and ecclesial life, intergenerational relationships, and their involvement and activity despite their declining strength. This topic has also been and continues to be addressed by many authors. In the teachings of the popes of the 21st century, we can also see elements that allow us to formulate this period of life in a positive way and, analogously to how we use the term Gospel of life, to also use the term Gospel of old age. The Gospel, then, is the good news about this period of life. Recognizing the difficulties of this period, we also want, through theological and pastoral analysis of 21st-century papal teaching, to show the beauty and positive aspects of old age and that we can use this term to appreciate the value of older people in family life. Pastoral analysis of the papal teachings of the 21st century, we want to show the beauty and positive aspects of old age and that we can use this term to appreciate the value of older people in family, ecclesial, and social life, and to point out the need to proclaim the Gospel of old age as an integral part of the Good News of God's love for man, and above all, an integral part of the Gospel of life. It is also a moral challenge to treat the elderly with the dignity they deserve, and to ensure that our attitude towards them fulfills the moral requirements of the commandment to “honor your father and your mother” and the commandment to love your neighbor. It is also a pastoral challenge to ensure that the elderly are appreciated in the life of the Church and in family life. It is also worth noting the need to involve the elderly in the mission of proclaiming the Gospel of old age, as encouraged by papal teaching.