During a New Year’s Day Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis ushered in 2025 with a profound pro-life message. He spoke of the importance of protecting life at all stages, from conception to natural death.
A Dedication to Defend
In his homily, Pope Francis emphasized the need to safeguard life in all its forms, particularly the most vulnerable. Dedicating 2025 to Mary, Mother of Jesus, he proclaimed:
"Let us entrust this new year to Mary, Mother of God. May we learn, like her, to discover God’s greatness in the little things of life. May we learn to care for every child born of a woman, above all by protecting, like Mary, the precious gift of life: life in the womb, the lives of children, the suffering, the poor, the elderly, the lonely, and the dying.”
The Catechism affirms the Church's unwavering stance on abortion, stating:
"Since the first century, the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law."
While his message is deeply rooted in Catholic doctrine, these principles speak to universal morality. The sanctity of life is a cornerstone of Christian teaching across denominations, and in Judaism, the concept of “Pikuach Nefesh” (saving a life) upholds the supreme value of human life.
Pope Francis’ words encourage believers of all faiths to reflect on the moral imperative to protect the vulnerable and uphold the dignity of every individual.
Based in Belgium
In September, Pope Francis stirred controversy during a visit to Belgium by sharply criticizing abortion by calling it "murderous." In response to a reporter's question about his tribute to Belgium's former King Baldwin, who resigned for a day rather than sign a law authorizing abortion, the Pope said:
Women have the right to life: to their own lives and the lives of their children. Let us not forget to say this: abortion is murder. Science tells you that within a month of conception, all the organs are already there. A human being is killed. And doctors who engage in this are—permit me to say—hitmen. They are hitmen. This cannot be disputed. A human life is killed. Women have the right to protect life.
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo condemned the remarks as "unacceptable," suggesting the pontiff was interfering with the nation's lawmaking process, although the Pope was not commenting on legislation. In response, more than 500 individuals petitioned to be removed from the Catholic Church registry in protest.
Strengthening the Pro-Life Ethic
Despite the uproar, Pope Francis remained steadfast in his position, protecting life even in the face of societal pushback. Over the years, he has become increasingly vocal in his opposition to abortion, comparing it to hiring a hitman to solve a problem. This contrasts the first months of his pontificate in 2013, when he complained that the church had become obsessed with "small-minded rules" on issues like abortion.
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Pope Francis’ most recent call to defend life goes beyond abortion. He stated the need to protect the poor, the elderly, and the marginalized, emphasizing that a culture of life must encompass care and dignity for all people.
A Message for All Who Value Life
The Pope’s appeal comes amid rising violence and societal unrest. From subway murders in New York City to tragic holiday violence in New Orleans, the sanctity of life is increasingly under threat.
This context makes Pope Francis’ message particularly poignant. He challenges society to make human dignity a central value and to tackle the root causes of violence and neglect. His message is a rallying cry to foster a culture that cherishes and safeguards every human life.
This call encourages advocacy for life-affirming policies and meaningful action to address the social issues that erode human dignity. Transcending religious boundaries, Pope Francis’ vision invites all people to unite in shared moral convictions and strive for a world where life is respected and celebrated at every stage.
Pope Francis’ emphasis on the sanctity of life is a fitting focus for this sacred year. The beginning of 2025 marks the Catholic Church’s Jubilee year, a time for spiritual renewal observed every 25 years. This tradition invites reflection on how to live out faith in meaningful ways, offering believers an opportunity to recommit to values that uplift humanity.
