In the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, in Washington DC (United States), the solemn Mass and subsequent National Vigil of Prayer for Life took place, as a prelude to the March for Life 2025 (March for Life 2025).
Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, welcomed the lay people, deacons, seminarians and religious present in the Basilica, among whom were Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the American Episcopate and the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Cardinal Christophe Pierre.
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The apostolic nuncio read a message from Pope Francis, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, in which he assures “his spiritual closeness” with all those who will participate in the March for Life 2025, this January 24 in the capital of the United States.
“Once again, he expresses his gratitude for this long-standing public testimony to the sanctity of human life and praises this annual gathering, so that it may always be a visible sign of the goodness present in our world,” the papal message reads.
The Holy Father’s message urges young people to maintain their efforts to create a culture in which the most vulnerable and innocent are protected. “In this way the nation will be a brighter beacon of hope and a place where true justice and fraternal charity flourish,” it reads, adding the Pope’s blessing to all who will march through life.
The Mass was presided over by the Archbishop of Kansas City, Bishop Joseph Naumann. In his homily, the prelate highlighted that the most important reason for the March for Life 2025 It is taking the time to thank God “for the gift of human life, in all its forms and at every stage.”
A few days after the end of the Christmas season, Bishop Naumann stressed the importance of the mystery of the Incarnation of the Lord, who wanted to be similar to us in everything, except sin. “Our first task tonight is to give glory to God, who chose to take on our human nature, to become one with us and decided to pierce the darkness with his eternal light,” the archbishop said.
Bishop Naumann affirmed that Jesus “has a special love for young people,” because he wants them “to be instruments of his grace in the world.” Thus, he called on the young people of the United States “to be the light of our culture and society,” a mission that must be enhanced by the celebration of the Jubilee Year 2025, aimed at strengthening the virtue of hope.
“Let us open our hearts to the Lord, who is knocking on the doors, waiting for us to let him in without reservation,” said the archbishop.
In times of adversity, illness, persecution, death and martyrdom – Bishop Naumann continued – it is the “closeness and communion” with the Lord that has given strength to his apostles for two thousand years.
“When we march tomorrow, let us march as pilgrims of hope,” he said. And he added: “What motivates many of us to be here tonight is to donate our lives to be defenders of life.”
In addition, he offered a prayer for the new president of the United States, Donald Trump, and his vice president, JD Vance, thanking them for the pardons in recent hours in favor of several prisoners, imprisoned for their work in defense of life. “We pray for them, so that they have the wisdom to be good leaders for our nation,” he said.
Finally, he emphasized the importance of youth in the country’s elections and future decisions on abortion, referring to the historic repeal of Roe v. Wade, in 2022.
“Dear young people, you are called to be witnesses before your contemporaries. Let us redouble our efforts, despite defeats, to build a culture of life. “Jesus never promised his disciples that it would be easy (…) we have to be willing to follow him to Calvary, to the cross,” he said.
After the Mass, Bishop Naumann exposed the Blessed Sacrament, beginning the National Prayer Vigil for Life 2025, which will last all night, until 8:00 am (local time) on January 24. The March for Life 2025 is scheduled to begin at 11:00 am
Andres Henriquez
I have been a writer for ACI Prensa and a correspondent for EWTN since 2023. Since then, I have covered events in the Catholic Church in Venezuela and Latin America. I have more than 5 years of experience in bilingual media. Additionally, in Venezuela I have worked with non-governmental organizations in favor of freedom and respect for human rights in the country. I have been a member of the Regnum Christi Federation since 2014.