Pope Leo XIV Affirms Istanbul’s Elderly as the ‘Wisdom of a People’

Vatican City, November 28, 2025: On the second day of his Apostolic Journey to Türkiye, Pope Leo XIV visited a care home for the elderly run by the Little Sisters of the Poor, located just outside central Istanbul. The residence serves elderly people from a wide range of backgrounds, including Turks, Armenians, refugees from several African nations, and a member of the city’s historic Jewish community.

A phrase on the corridor wall — “The Other is Christ” — accompanies a board displaying each resident’s name card, setting the tone for the Pope’s visit. His first stop was the chapel, specially decorated with flags and flowers for the occasion. Around 200 residents and staff were gathered to welcome him.

As the Pope entered the chapel, the women’s choir — comprising immigrants from Congo, Angola, Cameroon, and Burkina Faso — sang Ave Maria and Laudate Dominum. He greeted several people, paused for photographs, exchanged a few words, and then prayed briefly before the Blessed Sacrament.

Sister Margaret Searson, who arrived from London a month ago, addressed the community on behalf of the Little Sisters. She expressed gratitude for the Pope’s visit, noting that his presence showed residents “that God loves them immensely.”

The Pope, in turn, thanked the sisters for their hospitality and their dedicated service. Reflecting on the congregation’s name, he said it “makes us think”. He added that the Lord calls them not only to assist or help the poor, but also “to be their sisters”. He explained that the order’s name offers insight into the true meaning of Christian charity: “Before being for others, we must first be with others in a communion based on fraternity.”

Turning his attention to the elderly residents, the Pope highlighted their irreplaceable place in society. In an era driven by efficiency and material success, he warned that the meaning of old age risks being forgotten. He emphasised, as Pope Francis often said, that “the elderly are the wisdom of a people, a treasure for their grandchildren, families and society as a whole.”

Pope Leo XIV concluded his address with a “double thank-you”: gratitude to the home for welcoming the elderly “in the name of fraternity”, and recognition of the patience, prayer, and devotion required in caring for them.

He then prayed with the community, imparted his blessing, and presented a commemorative gift. Before leaving, he spent several minutes speaking with a group of sisters, greeting residents and staff along the corridor, and signing the guest book. In his message, he wrote: “I warmly bless this home with all its residents, and in a special way the Little Sisters of the Poor for their service here and their witness to all.”

Pope Leo XIV Affirms Istanbul’s Elderly as the ‘Wisdom of a People’

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