Slovakia: Thousands gather in Bratislava for National March for Life

As Pope Leo XIV calls for a renewed awareness of the "precious gift of life" and thousands of people gather in Bratislava for the National March for … Thousands of people from across Slovakia gathered in Bratislava on Sunday, 20 September, for the fifth National March for Life. The event was organized under the patronage of the Slovak Bishops’ Conference, and was centred on the capital’s Freedom Square. Pope Leo XIV sent a message to participants, expressing his hope that the March for Life may be "a moment of prayer and witness, awakening a renewed awareness of the precious gift of life, received from God, to be welcomed and protected at every stage, from conception to its natural end." He also encouraged everyone to promote a "culture that cares especially for the most vulnerable and defenseless, thus contributing to the building of a more fraternal society marked by solidarity." The Slovak Bishops’ news agency announced a programme featuring speeches, music, and a procession through the city.

Speaking to Vatican News, Fr. Ivan Ružička, Secretary General of the Slovak Bishops’ Conference, expressed gratitude for the Pope's support for the march. “We came together to stand for the dignity of every human life, from conception until natural death,”