Pope wonders if parishes have a death ministry

Pope Francis gave his last catechesis on the theme of the elderly at this week's general audience on August 10.

As he has highlighted numerous times during this teaching series, the Pope believes that old age is a gift and the elderly have a particular vocation and mission in the Church.

The Holy Father again pointed out that the elderly are in an important state of life, because they are the ones focused on life's "true destination."

"The elderly man and woman are waiting, waiting for an encounter," he said.

The Pope compared life on earth to a novitiate, which is the initial, preparatory stage of religious life, before the young woman or man makes vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. He also used the image of being apprentices.

In this context, the Pope wondered if parishes support and promote this stage of life?

This state of life is important for the Church itself, the Pope added, as it reminds us that the Church is not made to be like the world:

For Pope Francis, "Old age is the phase in life most suited to spreading the joyful news that life is the initiation to a final fulfillment."

"Old age is credible when it invites one to rejoice in the passing of time: but time passes … Yes, but this is not a threat, it is a promise," he said.