His Holiness Pope Francis at Audience: Old age 'fruitful time to bear witness to Christ’

His Holiness Pope Francis concludes his catechesis on the value and meaning of old age at the weekly General Audience, and recalls that serene faith and trust in Christ’s promise at that time of life can offer fruitful witness to the Gospel.

By Devin Watkins

At the Wednesday General Audience, held in the Paul VI Hall due to the heat, His Holiness Pope Francis picked up the theme of the value of old age for the last time.
He reflected on Jesus’ words of farewell to His disciples at the Last Supper, as recounted in the Gospel of John (14:1-3).

The Pope noted that many people eventually pass through the frailty and challenges of old age, but said it can also be a time of “exciting blessings of faith.”

“In old age the works of faith, which bring us and others closer to the Kingdom of God, are by now beyond the power of the energy, words, and impulses of youth and maturity,” he said.

Old age a blessing

Pope Francis pointed out that a temptation toward bitterness can arise in the latter years of life, as the years pass and we reflect on missed opportunities…

This report was originally published on Vatican News website. Please click here to read the full text and listen to the report.