Pope Leo XIV Sends Message to 2026 March for Life

“The protection of the right to life constitutes the indispensable foundation of every other human right.”

(Photo credit: Vatican Media)

ROME, 22 January 2026 — Pope Leo XIV has sent a Message to participants in the annual March for Life, being held on Friday, Jan. 23, in Washington, D.C..

Released this evening by the Vatican, the Holy Father’s Message reads:

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To the Participants in the 2026 March for Life

I send warm greetings to those of you participating in the 2026 March for Life. I likewise express heartfelt appreciation, and assure you of my spiritual closeness as you gather for this eloquent public witness to affirm that “the protection of the right to life constitutes the indispensable foundation of every other human right” (Address to Members of the Diplomatic Corps Accredited to the Holy See, 9 January 2026).

Indeed, “a society is healthy and truly progresses only when it safeguards the sanctity of human life and works actively to promote it” (ibid.). In this regard, 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.

May Jesus, who promised to be with us always (cf. Mt 28:20), accompany you today as you courageously and peacefully march on behalf of unborn children. By advocating for them, please know that you are fulfilling the Lord’s command to serve him in the least of our brothers and sisters (cf. Mt 25:31-46).

With these sentiments I entrust all of you, as well as those who support you with their prayers and sacrifices, to the intercession of Mary Immaculate, Patroness of the United States of America, and I gladly impart my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of abundant heavenly graces.

From the Vatican, 17 January 2026

LEO PP. XIV