Cardinal Farrell: Elderly people are an ‘invaluable treasure’

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

“The elderly are the future of the Church, not just its past: their experience, deep-rooted faith, and wisdom are an invaluable treasure for the entire People of God on their journey.”

With these words, echoing the late Pope Francis, Cardinal Kevin Farrell opened the Second International Congress on the Pastoral Care of the Elderly at the Jesuit General Curia in Rome on October 2, 2025.

Addressing bishops, pastoral workers, and delegates from around the world, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life called for renewed commitment to honoring and supporting the elderly in both Church and society.

Gratitude to all who serve elderly

“To you, who are at the forefront of this service, I offer my sincere thanks: the work you do is essential,” Cardinal Farrell said. “It is you in fact, who have firsthand experience of the daily lives of the elderly, with their joys, hopes, and struggles.”

He praised the growing recognition of elderly people as a pastoral priority, reflecting not only Pope Francis’ leadership but a long-standing ecclesial tradition. “Pope Francis placed the elderly at the center of ecclesial reflection,” he said, recalling the catechesis on old age, dedicated audiences, and the institution of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.

The Dicastery Prefect stressed that this effort dates quite a bit back. “This is certainly not an absolute novelty; behind it lies a long ecclesial journey,” he said, recalling how Pope St. John Paul II first called attention to the “creative role of the elderly” as early as 1982, a vision later developed in his 1999 Letter to the Elderly. 

Benedict XVI, he also remembered, continued in this line, notably during his 2012 visit to a Roman elder care home. “Presenting himself as ‘an elderly person visiting his peers,’ Cardinal Farrell remembered, he made a key point, namely, ‘The quality of a society is judged by how the elderly are treated. Whoever makes room for the elderly makes room for life!’”

Never a burden, always an opportunity

Cardinal Farrell tied this growing awareness to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, particularly its emphasis on the baptismal dignity and co-responsibility of all the faithful.

“It is precisely the conciliar rediscovery of baptismal dignity, at every age, and in every condition of life,” he said, “that naturally leads to the recognition of the leading role that the elderly can, and must play in the Church.”

This recognition, he noted, is increasingly urgent due to demographic shifts.

“For the first time in history,” he stressed, “we are witnessing widespread longevity. A real demographic transition is underway: the elderly are no longer a minority, but a large and growing segment of society.” In Europe, he added, more than a fifth of the population is over 65, and in countries like Japan, Italy, and Germany, he also noted, the elderly already make up a quarter of the population.

Cardinal Farrell challenged the notion that this is a problem to be solved.

“While many view the phenomenon of the increase in the elderly with concern, as if it were a burden on society,” he acknowledged, “we, as a Church, recognize longevity as a gift from God,” “not an emergency to be managed, but a new opportunity.”

“In the light of faith,” he said, “a greater number of years to live should be considered a time of grace to open oneself enthusiastically to the proclamation of the Gospel, and as an enrichment for the entire community.”

Most active in parish life

The Cardinal also pointed out that the elderly are often the most active members in parish life.

“Today, in fact,” he marveled, “the life of a retiree does not coincide with inactivity: on the contrary, it is often rich in commitments and passions.”

The Congress, he said, aims to identify pastoral responses to this new reality, not by offering top-down solutions but through shared discernment. “We do not intend to propose ready-made recipes—each community has its own history and specificities—but we wish to think and walk together with you, in a truly synodal spirit, to give impetus to such an essential pastoral ministry.”

Finally, Cardinal Farrell stated, “May the Lord guide our service to the elderly, who are a blessing for the Church, and for the whole world.”