The Holy See urges to remedy the loneliness of the elderly

In a text published on 6 April 2020, the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life calls, now more than ever, to take care of the elderly, especially those abandoned to a solitude "in which the coronavirus can kill even more".

The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life calls more than anything to protect and care for the elderly in this time of pandemic, a real "unexpected and furious storm, during which we realized that we are all on the same boat",  in the words of the Pope during the blessing Urbi and Orbi of Friday, March 27.

"A few weeks ago, Pope Francis declared that "loneliness can be a disease, but a disease that we can cure with charity, closeness and spiritual comfort, «the dicastery recalls in  a letter, stressing that an entire generation was paying the price of the pandemic, since in Italy, more than 80% of the people who died are over 70 years old.  

The disease of loneliness

These words help us understand that while coronavirus is more deadly when it encounters a weakened body, in many cases, the previous pathology is loneliness. That is why, urges the Holy See, it is important that we do everything we can to remedy this state of abandonment. "Under the current circumstances, this could mean saving lives."

And the Dicastery to salute the many ecclesial initiatives that have spread in recent days in favor of the elderly, through phone calls, video or voice messages or, more traditionally, letters addressed to those who are alone. Parishes are often also committed to delivering food and medicine to those who cannot leave their homes. And everywhere, priests continue to visit families to administer the sacraments.

The elderly, present and future of the Church

These woven networks of solidarity are indispensable, but the gravity of the moment invites us to do more, insists the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life.

"As individuals and as local churches, we can do a lot for the elderly: pray for them, cure the disease of loneliness, activate networks of solidarity and much more."

"We have a common responsibility, which stems from the awareness of the priceless value of every human life and gratitude to our parents and grandparents. Let's not leave the elderly alone, because in solitude, coronavirus kills even more."

In particular, the Holy See wishes to dedicate its full attention to the elderly living in foster care: "Despite the complexity of the situation in which we live, it is important to remember that saving the lives of elderly people living in institutions or who are alone or sick is just as high a priority as saving any other  person."

In countries where the pandemic is still limited, it is still possible to take preventive measures to protect them, enjoins the Dicastery, because the future of our societies and ecclesial communities depends on it, as Pope Francis recently said, " elders are the present and the future of the  Church"