On July 5, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the UN gave an intervention during the Eighth Session of the Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing in a forum dedicated to “Measures to enhance the contribution of older persons to social development.”
In its statement, the Holy See emphasized the urgent need to develop concrete, practical measures to protect the rights and answer the needs of the elderly. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to poverty, ill health, disability, isolation, violence, abandonment, abuse, and the consequences of natural disasters, financial crises and armed conflicts, the Holy See noted. Many are in danger of falling through the cracks. Their wisdom and energies should be included in social development, community life and political and economic decision-making. A growing acceptance of euthanasia against the elderly is a particular example of what Pope Francis calls a “throw away” culture, the Holy See stated, emphasizing that we show our love and respect for seniors especially when they are ill, weak, disabled or isolated.
The statement can be found here.