Vatican City: In a heartfelt message delivered on the occasion of the 2025 Day for Life, Pope Leo XIV called on the faithful in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland to continue defending the God-given dignity of every human being, emphasizing the Church’s enduring commitment to the sanctity of life in all its stages and circumstances.
The annual Day for Life organized by the bishops’ conferences of the aforementioned nations is a key moment for Catholics to reflect on the value and meaning of human life, particularly in a society that often overlooks the suffering, the elderly, the terminally ill, and the unborn.
This year’s observance, themed “Hope Does Not Disappoint: Finding Meaning in Suffering,” draws inspiration from Romans 5:5-6, where St. Paul highlights the enduring nature of Christian hope a hope not grounded in naïve optimism, but in a deep trust in God’s constant presence, even amid suffering.
In a telegram addressed to Archbishop John Sherrington, auxiliary bishop of Westminster and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s representative on life issues, Pope Leo expressed his spiritual solidarity with all those involved in this vital initiative. He praised the bishops for choosing a theme that sheds light on the transformative power of suffering, urging the faithful to recognize that, when united with grace, even pain can become an encounter with God’s compassionate presence.
“The suffering that marks so much of the human condition,” the Pope stated, “can, through the grace of God, become a profound moment of divine encounter a place where hope takes root and faith is deepened.”
Highlighting the image of the Good Samaritan, the bishops’ message for the Day encourages people to stand beside those who suffer, offering them not just care but also affirmation of their unique, irreplaceable worth. Pope Leo echoed this call, urging Catholics to serve as living witnesses to the sacredness of life, especially in societies where dignity is often compromised by neglect, utilitarianism, or violence.
In his message, the Pope stressed the importance of building a “civilization of authentic love and true compassion,” where the vulnerable are not abandoned, but cherished. He particularly emphasized the role of Christians in defending the dignity of the seriously ill, not through fear or avoidance, but with Christ-like tenderness and presence.
“This witness,” the Pope affirmed, “is not simply an ethical obligation but a testimony to the love of Christ that sees every human life as sacred, regardless of its condition or stage.”
Concluding his message, Pope Leo invoked the intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel, entrusting all participants in the Day for Life to her maternal care. He imparted his Apostolic Blessing upon them, praying that they may be strengthened with “fortitude, joy, and peace in the Risen Lord.”
This message reinforces the Church’s ongoing mission to be a beacon of hope in a wounded world, offering comfort to the suffering and upholding the truth that every life without exception is precious in the eyes of God.