Pope Leo XIV calls for a society that protects the sanctity of life in his message to the 2026 March for Life in Washington, D.C.
Newsroom (23/01/2026 Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV extended a heartfelt message to participants of the 2026 March for Life, urging them to uphold a society that “safeguards the sanctity of human life.” His words, published on Jan. 22, came just a day before the iconic march was set to take place in Washington, D.C.—marking its 53rd year as the nation’s largest annual pro-life gathering.
The pontiff began his message by sending “warm greetings” to the hundreds of thousands expected to attend the event, emphasizing that the defense of life remains the cornerstone of all human rights. “The protection of the right to life constitutes the indispensable foundation of every other human right,” he wrote. “Society is healthy and truly progresses only when it safeguards the sanctity of human life and works actively to promote it.”
Pope Leo, who became the first pope from the United States following his election, urged the faithful, particularly young people, to persist in their efforts to ensure that every stage of life is respected. “I would encourage you, especially the young people, to continue striving to ensure that life is respected in all of its stages through appropriate efforts at every level of society, including dialogue with civil and political leaders,” he said.
The pope invoked prayerful support for the marchers, asking that Jesus “accompany you as you courageously and peacefully march on behalf of unborn children.” He described such advocacy as a living expression of Christ’s command to serve “the least of our brothers and sisters.”
Leo XIV concluded his message with an apostolic blessing and entrusted the day’s advocates “to the intercession of Mary Immaculate,” the patron saint of the United States.
The moment was especially significant as Leo’s message appears to be the first official papal letter directly addressed to the March for Life and bearing a pope’s signature. Prior communications from popes have typically come through representatives or social media.
As Archbishop Robert Prevost of the United States before his election to the papacy, Leo XIV was reportedly a marcher in the early years of the March for Life—adding a deeply personal layer to his message of encouragement.
Previous pontiffs, including Benedict XVI and Francis, have also spoken in support of the U.S. March for Life. In 2023, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Christophe Pierre conveyed Pope Francis’ gratitude for “the faithful witness shown publicly over the years by all who promote and defend the right to life of the most innocent and vulnerable members of our human family.” Both Francis and Benedict XVI used social media to express solidarity with marchers.
As the 2026 March for Life unfolds in the nation’s capital, Pope Leo XIV’s message adds a historic voice to its enduring theme—calling Catholics and people of goodwill to defend the dignity of human life at every stage and in every circumstance.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
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