Pope Leo XIV said on March 25 that the sanctity of life, from conception to its natural end, must be defended, especially in a world affected by war. Speaking during his general audience in St. Peter’s Square, the pope addressed Polish-speaking visitors and highlighted Poland’s pro-life celebration, calling initiatives like their “Spiritual Adoption of a Conceived Child” truly needed.
“In a time marked by the madness of war, it is important to defend life from conception to its natural end,” Pope Leo said.
Poland observes the Day of the Sanctity of Life every March 25, coinciding with the feast of the Annunciation. This date marks nine months before Christmas and commemorates Jesus’ incarnation in Mary’s womb. Similar prayer initiatives are present globally, including in the United States. The late Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen inspired a spiritual adoption program where participants pledge to pray daily for nine months for an unborn child whose mother is considering abortion.
Sometimes those who participate as “spiritual parents” are encouraged to name the unborn child and pray daily for them; after nine months they may hold a baby shower to collect supplies or money for local pregnancy centers.
Marking this feast day, Pope Leo invited Catholics to follow Mary’s example more closely and “always be ready to do God’s will.” He told English-speaking pilgrims: “As we continue our Lenten journey, let us ask the Lord to grant us the grace to imitate Our Blessed Mother in her total ‘yes’ to the Lord, and so open our hearts to his will for our lives.”
In his main catechesis at this audience, Pope Leo continued his reflections on Second Vatican Council documents—specifically focusing on “Lumen Gentium,” which addresses Church structure. He explained that this hierarchy is not simply human organization but “a divine institution whose purpose is to perpetuate the mission given by Christ to the apostles until the end of time.”
The pope described how bishops—together with priests and deacons—have received special tasks within this hierarchy meant for service: “first and foremost…they have received tasks (‘munera’ in Latin), which lead them to service of ‘all those who belong to People of God,’ so that…they may arrive at salvation,” he said while citing council documents.
Concluding his address, Pope Leo prayed: “Dear sisters and dear brothers, let us pray to Lord that He may send His Church ministers who are ardent with evangelical charity…dedicated…and courageous missionaries in every part of world.”
