Pope Leo XIV visited a care home for the elderly in Istanbul on Friday, where he met residents and the Little Sisters of the Poor who run the facility. The visit formed part of his Apostolic Journey to Türkiye.
Addressing the community, the Pope reflected on the dignity of the elderly, warning that modern society often prioritizes efficiency and materialism at the expense of respect for older generations.
“In many social contexts, where efficiency and materialism dominate, the sense of respect for elderly people has been lost,” he said.
He emphasized, however, that Christian tradition—and human wisdom—teach a different lesson.
“Sacred Scripture and good traditions remind us that the elderly are the wisdom of a people,” Pope Leo said, recalling a phrase often repeated by Pope Francis. “They are a treasure for their grandchildren, for families, and for society as a whole.”
The Little Sisters of the Poor, who care for the residents, have long been dedicated to serving the elderly poor around the world. The Pope thanked them for their witness of compassion and encouraged the faithful to rediscover the value of intergenerational solidarity.
Credit/ Vatican News
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