Pope Francis mentioned today's new celebration -- the first World Day of Grandparents and Elderly -- after he led the midday Angelus on July 25.
Established by the Holy Father in January, the world day will take place each 4th Sunday of July, near the July 26 feast of Jesus' grandparents, Joachim and Anna.
"We have just celebrated the Liturgy on the occasion of the First World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly. An applause for all grandparents, all of them!" the Pope said as he overlooked St. Peter's Square.
"Grandparents and grandchildren, the young and the elderly together have manifested one of the beautiful faces of the Church and have shown the alliance between generations."
The Holy Father continued:
The Pope has repeatedly warned that without intergenerational communication, our culture is in danger.
