CNA Staff, Jul 27, 2020 / 08:15 am
The Vatican Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life launched a new campaign Monday urging young people to "send a hug" to elderly people isolated by the coronavirus pandemic.
In a press statement dated July 27, the dicastery said it was inspired to launch the campaign, called "The elderly are your grandparents," by Pope Francis' comments after Sunday's Angelus.
"In the memory of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus, I would like to invite young people to make a gesture of tenderness towards the elderly, especially the most lonely ones in homes and residences, those who have not seen their loved ones for many months," Pope Francis said after the Angelus prayer July 26.
"Dear young people, each of these elderly people are your grandparents. Do not leave them alone. … They are your roots," he added.