In his message, the Pope thanked those present for their “witness to the God-given dignity, beauty and value of human life”. He prayed that this event “foster greater respect for the inviolable right to life of each person” from conception to natural death, as well as support for “the efforts of all who labour to ensure that this fundamental human right receives adequate legal protection”.
The Holy Father’s message concluded with a special blessing for all those involved “in particular to those who aid women in crisis pregnancies and their children”
The Holy Father also sent similar messages earlier this year to the March for Life in Washington and the recent March for Life in Rome. Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix, Archbishop of Québec and Primate of the Church in Canada, read the message to the thousands of people who rallied in front of Parliament Hill on Thursday.
Below please find the full text of the Holy Father’s message to the Church in Canada
His Holiness Pope Francis is pleased to greet everyone taking part in the seventeenth National March for Life in Ottawa, and he assures them of his spiritual closeness as they give witness to the God-given dignity, beauty and value of human life. He prays that this event foster greater respect for the inviolable right to life of each person from conception to natural death and support the efforts of all who labour to ensure that this fundamental human right receives adequate legal protection. To the organizers and participants, and in particular to those who aid women in crisis pregnancies and their children, the Holy Father cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of joy and peace in the risen Lord.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
Text from Vatican Radio website
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