World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly - Rome (Basilica of San Saba)

A day dedicated to grandparents and the elderly

The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is an observance established by Pope Francis in 2021 and celebrated annually by the Catholic Church on the fourth Sunday of July. Created to recognize the social, cultural, and spiritual value of the elderly, it invites communities not to forget those who carry the memory of generations and to strengthen the bond between grandparents and grandchildren that makes the family solid and united.

The 2026 edition in the Diocese of Rome

In 2026, the Diocese of Rome celebrates the sixth edition of the Day on Sunday, July 26, in the evocative Basilica of San Saba, on the Aventine Hill. The Holy Mass is presided over by Monsignor Renato Tarantelli Baccari, Vicegerent of the diocese, and is organized by the Diocesan Office for the Pastoral Care of the Elderly and the Sick. The celebration is broadcast live on Rai 1, reaching elderly and lonely people who cannot leave their homes, making them feel the closeness of the Church.

The Basilica of San Saba on the Aventine Hill

The chosen setting is one of the oldest and most fascinating churches in Rome: the Basilica of San Saba, in the district of the same name overlooking the small Aventine, houses mosaics, medieval frescoes, and a history that dates back to the early Middle Ages. In the Municipality of Rome, capital of the Lazio Region, this secluded and spiritually rich place offers the ideal setting for an intimate and participatory celebration.

The 2026 theme

The sixth Day bears the title «I will never forget you», taken from the Book of Isaiah (49:15). The message of Pope Francis reminds us that God's love never fails, even in the fragility of old age, and encourages young people above all to rediscover the beautiful habit of visiting their grandparents and lonely elderly people. In 2026, for the first time, the Day falls on the memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.

An event open to all generations

The celebration is designed for grandparents, the elderly, children, and grandchildren: an opportunity to meet together, pray, and bear witness to gratitude towards those who preceded us. Admission is free and participation is open to everyone, believers and non-believers alike, in an atmosphere of welcome and celebration that values the human and emotional heritage of Roman families.