Families are the Cradle of the Future of Humanity

Thousands of pilgrims from more than 100 countries, including members of dioceses, associations and movements participated in the Jubilee of Families, Children Grandparents and the Elderly from 30 May to 1 June.

In addition to passing through the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica, pilgrims participated in a series of cultural, artistic and spiritual events in squares across Rome’s historical centre, titled “Dialogues with the city”. Events were organized by institutions, associations and movements involved in family pastoral care, among them the Pontifical Committee for World Children’s Day, the Association of Families for Welcoming, Nonno Banter 57 APS - Giochi di Strada, Le Muse di Archimede, and the Emmanuel Community.

On Saturday, 31 May, pilgrims participated in a Family Festival in Saint John Lateran Square, a prayer vigil and a Rosary in an evening filled with music and testimonies. During the event, 10,000 copies of the new edition of the Children’s Bible edited by the Pontifical Foundation, ‘Aid to the Church in Need’, in five languages (Italian, English, Spanish, French and Portuguese), were distributed to participants at the entrance to the Square.

Festivities concluded with Pope Leo XIV celebrating Holy Mass in Saint Peter’s Square with thousands of children and families. During his homily, the Holy Father encouraged the faithful to ground their love in Christ in order to be “a sign of peace for everyone, in society and the world”, which he highlighted, starts at home because “families are the cradle of the future of humanity”.

Marriage, the Holy Father said, is “the measure of true love between a man and a woman”. He encouraged parents to be “examples of integrity to [their] children, acting as [they] want them to act, educating them in freedom through obedience, always seeing the good in them and finding ways to nurture it”. Turning to children, Pope Leo advised them to say thank you “each day for the gift of life and for all that comes with it”.