While St. Peter’s Square was still colored on Easter Monday by the flowers from the Netherlands, destined for the annual Easter decoration, a deep silence fell over the square as the news broke that Pope Francis had passed away.
His passing marks the end of a remarkable era, during which the bridge between young and old, between generations, was built stronger than ever before. Pope Francis was more than a spiritual leader. He was a grandfather figure to many – wise, warm, and full of care for the vulnerable. During his pontificate, he gave the elderly not just a voice, but a stage, a heart, and above all: meaning. With his empathetic view of life, he brought generations closer together.
Flowers as a Symbol of Connection
It has been an honour that the Netherlands, through its floriculture sector, has played a small but symbolic role in conveying this message. For years, Dutch flowers have adorned St. Peter’s Square during Easter and at special celebrations centred around the elderly.
On September 28, 2014, during the Mass opening of the International Week for the elderly, thousands of Dutch roses graced the square. With over 100,000 grandparents present, the strength of family bonds became tangible.
In 2015, during the World Expo in Milan, the Netherlands, through Grandparents’ Day, presented a floral arrangement in the shape of angel wings – a tribute to the protective role of grandparents in the lives of young people.
If you are interested, you can listen to the Radio Vaticana Interview.
And on July 25, 2021, during the very first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, the Confessio in St. Peter’s Basilica was radiant with flowers from our country. It was Pope Francis who established this day as an annual moment of recognition for the indispensable role of the elderly. Flowers were distributed to the elderly present – a gesture of appreciation, love, and closeness.
Davide Lotti (director Vatican pavillon), Dini Holtrop (floral designer), Puck Lansdorp (Felini Foundation)
A Legacy That Lives On
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of the bond between grandparents and grandchildren once again became evident. The 'Roses Against Loneliness' initiative – in which roses originally intended for Rome were distributed to the elderly in the Netherlands and Italy – was fully in line with Pope Francis’ vision: let no one be forgotten. Let us take responsibility for one another.
As the Grandparents’ Day Foundation, we, inspired by this vision, continue our activities with dedication, using flowers to connect generations. We believe in the power of intergenerational encounters: in listening, sharing, remembering, and dreaming together.
In Memoriam Pope Francis – The Pope of the Generations
On behalf of the Grandparents’ Day Foundation (formerly Felini Foundation)
www.festadeinonni.it
