Pope Leo XIV sent greetings to thirty thousand Slovaks gathered in Bratislava on September 20th for the fifth National March for Life. The event, organized under the patronage of the Slovak Bishops’ Conference, took place in the capital’s Freedom Square. This year’s march focused on protecting the unborn and supporting women in difficult circumstances. The pro-lifers also called for a complete legal ban on surrogacy in Slovakia.
FOCUS ON COMPLETE BAN ON SURROGACY
According to Vatican News, Archbishop Nicola Girasoli, Apostolic Nuncio to Slovakia, read Pope Leo’s message. The Holy Father expressed hope that the march would become a time of prayer and witness, leading to renewed awareness that life is a precious gift from God, to be welcomed and protected at every stage, from conception to natural death. The Pope also encouraged developing a culture that pays special attention to the weakest and most vulnerable.
As part of the day’s events, Masses for the renewal of the culture of life were celebrated in various parts of Bratislava. Archbishop Stanislav Zvolenský presided over the liturgy in Saint Martin’s Cathedral. Olivia Maurel, one of the most prominent international advocates for a global ban on surrogacy, addressed the march. On September 19, two Marches for Life also took place simultaneously in Berlin and Cologne, attended by several thousand people.
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