2026 World Day for Grandparents and Elderly

Saturday, Sep. 12, 2026 - Sunday, Sep. 13, 2026

Location: Nationwide

In 2021, Pope Francis established the celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and Elderly on the fourth Sunday of July, near the memorial of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus, which is celebrated on July 26. The U.S. bishops approved the transfer of the celebration in the U.S. to the first weekend after Labor Day in September to coincide with National Grandparents (and the Elderly) Day in the United States as many local communities, schools and parishes have celebrated for some time. This year's theme is “I will Never Forget You.” (Isaiah 49:5) It serves as a reminder that God’s unwavering love is the ultimate answer to the isolation and neglect so often experienced by the elderly. It brings comfort and hope, assuring us that the Lord knows each of us personally, forgets no one, and loves us unconditionally, even through the frailties of old age. For more information, read Pope Leo XIV's message for the "Sixth World Day for Grandparents and Elderly."