Pope Leo XIV urged the global Catholic faithful on March 25 to defend human life at every stage amid the “madness of war” during his general audience at the Vatican. He made the appeal on Poland’s Day for the Sanctity of Life, which coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation.
The Holy Father reminded Polish-speaking pilgrims that the gift of life must be protected from conception to its natural end, stressing its importance in a conflict-affected world, as he addressed Polish visitors, Vatican News reported.
The Pope also encouraged French-speaking pastors to proclaim the Gospel with zeal and actively foster peace. He encouraged Arabic-speaking faithful to serve as courageous messengers of the Gospel.
Established in 2004, the observance in Poland aligns with this solemnity, emphasising the Church’s teaching on life and the Incarnation, as marked by the angel Gabriel’s announcement of Christ’s conception.
According to Vatican News, the Pope prayed the feast might inspire all to imitate the Blessed Virgin Mary in fulfilling God’s will. The report also noted that his remarks reflect the Church’s longstanding teaching on the sanctity of human life and the need for peace and evangelisation.