Paul KeenanDay for Life, July 27
Pope Francis has called on Catholics in Ireland to “combat the culture of death” in his message for Day for Life.
Ahead of the July 27 event, the theme of which is #livelife Protect and Cherish Life from its beginning to its natural end, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin conveyed the Pontiff’s message to the Catholic communities of Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.
"As the Church in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales celebrates the 2014 Day for Life, the Holy Father expresses his confidence that this annual witness to the sanctity of God’s gift of life will inspire the faithful, and young Catholics in particular, to combat the culture of death, not only by working to ensure adequate legal protection for the fundamental human right to life, but also by seeking to bring the merciful love of Christ as a life-giving balm to those troubling “new forms of poverty and vulnerability” (cf. Evangelii Gaudium 210) which are increasingly evident in contemporary society.
"To all involved in the Day for Life celebrations, His Holiness imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of wisdom, joy and peace in the Risen Lord."