VATICAN CITY, 26 JUL 2009 (VIS) - 

This morning Benedict XVI prayed the Angelus with faithful 
gathered near his chalet at Les Combes in the Italian region
 of Valle d'Aosta where he is spending a holiday.

The Pope then went on to mention Sts. Joachim and Anna, parents of the
Virgin and, hence, grandparents of Jesus, whose feast day falls today.
Emphasising the vital importance of education in Church pastoral care,
Benedict XVI invited people "to pray for grandparents who, in families, are
the depositories and often witnesses of the fundamental values of life.

"The educational role of grandparents is always important, and it becomes
even more important when, for various reasons, parents are unable to ensure
an adequate presence alongside their children as they are growing", the Pope
added, entrusting all the grandparents of the world to the protection of
Sts. Joachim and Anne. Finally, following the Angelus prayer, he also
mentioned "all elderly people, especially those who are alone or
experiencing moments of difficulty".