An outlook on the Pastoral Care of the Elderly in Latin America and Africa

On 3 and 5 December, the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life organized two important online meetings with those responsible for the pastoral care of the elderly in the Conferences of Bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean, and Africa. These meetings are part of the preparation towards the 2nd International Congress on the Pastoral Care of the Elderly, scheduled to take place in Rome on 2-4 October 2025.

The sessions were opened by the Secretaries of the Dicastery, Dr. Gleison De Paula Souza and Monsignor Dario Gervasi, who emphasized the need to develop an appropriate pastoral action for the elderly in every ecclesial reality. Dr. De Paula Souza emphasized that “our goal is to identify a Christian response to the challenge of demographic transition, which represents one of the key aspects of the epochal change mentioned by Pope Francis.” Monsignor Gervasi, on the other hand, highlighted that “fragility, in particular, marks this stage of life and places the elderly – along with all the most vulnerable – among the Lord's chosen ones.”

Vittorio Scelzo, an official of the Dicastery responsible for the pastoral care of the elderly, presented an analysis of each continent’s peculiarities based on the answers to the questionnaires previously sent to the Conferences of Bishops.

The richness of the Latin American experience

The meeting with those responsible in Latin America and the Caribbean highlighted the fundamental role played by the elderly as active members of ecclesial communities where, for instance, they serve, as catechists, lectors, and extraordinary ministers of communion. Their presence serves as a spiritual point of reference for younger generations, while intergenerational dynamics – particularly vibrant in popular piety and confraternities – represent a distinctive legacy of the Latin American Church.

Among the main challenges, many emphasized the growing loneliness, especially among those lacking a strong family network. It was noted that while the pandemic exacerbated this condition, it also encouraged the development of new means of communication, such as the use of digital tools to ensure no one is left behind and to share pastoral care resources.

Challenges and opportunities in Africa

The dialogue with African representatives has instead highlighted the traditional role of the elderly as “living encyclopaedias” and mediators in community conflicts. Many believe that this cultural model, typical of the African continent, is increasingly challenged by globalization and the weakening of family structures.

The stigmatization of the elderly who, in some cases, are accused of witchcraft and therefore become victims of violence and abuse, is deeply concerning. The African Church is responding with many concrete initiatives aimed at showing solidarity with the elderly and changing cultural behaviour towards them: home visits, creating care centres, building houses for widows, and many others. Significant efforts are also being made to promote intergenerational dialogue, with a view to preserving the positive features of traditional cultures.

In preparation for the 2nd International Congress on the Pastoral Care of the Elderly, additional online meetings will be held with the Conferences of Bishops of Europe, Asia, and Oceania.