The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly was first celebrated in July 2021 with the following theme chosen by Pope Francis, "I am with you always." The annual observance of World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly takes place the fourth Sunday of July. Pope Francis explained that he chose the fourth Sunday of July beacuse it is close to the July 26 feast of SS. Joachim and Anne, the “grandparents” of Jesus.Grandparents are often forgotten and we forget this wealth of preserving and passing on the roots. For this reason, I have decided to establish the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly,” - Pope Francis
It is important for grandparents to meet their grandchildren and for grandchildren to meet their grandparents, because — as the prophet Joel says — grandparents, before their grandchildren, will dream, and have illusions [great desires], and young people, taking strength from their grandparents, will go forward and prophesy.” - Pope Francis, January 31, 2021