VATICAN: Pope John Paul has called for the strengthening of economic support and legal initiatives which would prevent the elderly being excluded from social life. It was necessary to raise public awareness that the elderly represent a resource to be valued, he said in his message for Lent.
Published yesterday, the Pope continued that reaching old age was a sign of God's gracious benevolence. "Longevity appears, therefore, as a special divine gift," he said.
He continued that "thanks to the contribution of science and medicine, one sees in society today a lengthening of the human life span and a subsequent increase in the number of elderly.
"This demands a more specific attention to the world of so-called 'old' age, in order to help its members to live their full potential by placing them at the service of the entire community.
"The care of the elderly, above all when they pass through difficult moments, must be of great concern to all the faithful, especially in the ecclesial communities of Western societies, where the problem is particularly present," he said.
The wisdom and experience of the elderly can illuminate the path toward an ever more complete form of civilisation, he said. "How important it is to rediscover this mutual enrichment between different generations!" he said
"What would happen if the people of God yielded to a certain current mentality that considers these people, our brothers and sisters, as almost useless when they are reduced in their capacities due to the difficulties of age or sickness?
"Instead, how different the community would be if, beginning with the family, it tries always to remain open and welcoming towards them," he said.
Human life was a precious gift to be loved and defended in each of its stages, and the commandment "You shall not kill" must always be respected.
"It is a command that applies even in the presence of illness and when physical weakness reduces the person's ability to be self-reliant," he said.
