Elders must be listened to, says Leo at care home in Angola

As he had done previously at an orphanage in Yaoundé, Leo XIV addressed them briefly to emphasise the importance of living together in this care home as if in a family. “I like to think that Jesus also dwells here, in this house,” he assured them, encouraging them to live in prayer and to forgive one another.

The Pope expressed his gratitude to the staff and the Angolan authorities for establishing this center, which is open to “the most destitute elderly.”

“Caring for the vulnerable is a very important sign of the quality of a country’s social life,” he emphasized.

“The elderly must not only be helped; above all, they must be listened to,” affirmed Leo XIV. Echoing themes beloved by his predecessor, Pope Francis, he described them as “the guardians of a people’s wisdom,” calling for “gratitude” for the “great hardships” they have endured for the good of the community.

The Pope presented the home with a statue of Saint Joseph and rosaries for the residents. The residents in turn presented him with a traditional statue.