Tens of thousands of pro-life advocates gathered in Washington, D.C., Jan. 23 for the 53rd annual March for Life, braving an unusually menacing bout of winter weather to offer prayerful public witness to the dignity of every human person.

Marchers from across the country filled the National Mall, chanting, praying, and holding signs as they processed toward the U.S. Supreme Court under this year’s theme, “Life is a Gift” — an invitation to reflect on life’s dignity and worth not only as a political issue but as a fundamental moral truth shared across communities and generations.

Organizers estimated turnout in the tens of thousands, and March for Life President Jennie Bradley Lichter noted that some participants traveled more than 10 hours to attend. The strong showing underscored the pro-life movement’s continued momentum four years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. 

Speakers and participants at the march alike emphasized that their shared mission extends beyond legal victories to fostering a culture that recognizes the inherent value of human life at every stage.

Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, archbishop emeritus of Boston, celebrated Mass for the annual National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., which preceded the march. The vigil began the previous evening with a Mass celebrated by Bishop James D. Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, followed by a National Holy Hour for Life in the basilica’s crypt.

Attendees gathered Friday morning on the National Mall for a pre-rally concert featuring Grammy-nominated Christian band Sanctus Real. A choir from Friends of Club 21 — a group of individuals with Down syndrome who range in age from 13 to 42 — then led the crowd in the National Anthem, drawing cheers and applause.

The rally opened with a prayer by Bishop Irinej Dobrijevic of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States, who said, “As Christ has taught us – and truly it has come to pass and now is here – wherever two or three have gathered in his name, he will be present.”

Following remarks by Vice President JD Vance and a recorded video message from President Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., took the stage, calling for stronger federal protections for the unborn.

“Every life, born and unborn, carries immeasurable worth, purpose, and promise,” Johnson stated. 

Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., a longtime pro-life advocate in Congress, also spoke, urging continued legislative action in a post-Roe era. 

Other speakers included Sarah Hurm, an abortion pill reversal advocate, Elizabeth Pillsbury Oliver, president of Georgetown University Right to Life, and Cissie Graham Lynch of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Their remarks focused on personal testimony, policy engagement, and cultural renewal.

Lichter also read a message from Pope Leo XIV, who, she said, attended one of the earliest March for Life events in Washington while he was a college student. In the message, the Pope sent “warm greetings” and expressed his “heartfelt appreciation” for those who attended, assuring participants of his “spiritual closeness as you gather for this eloquent public witness” to the protection of human life.

>> Pope sends message to March for Life participants <<

“I would encourage you,” Pope Leo said, “especially the young people, to continue striving to ensure that life is respected in all of its stages through appropriate efforts at every level of society, including dialogue with civil and political leaders.”

Participants said the event offered both encouragement and renewed resolve. Marianne Donadio, a parishioner at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, told CatholicVote that she first attended the march as a teenager and is now a mother of six and a grandmother.

“I was thrilled at the Dobbs decision,” Donadio said, referring to the 2022 Supreme Court decision in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, which overturned Roe. “But until there is a federal law protecting all life from conception to natural death, we will need to continue to march for life.”

The movement must work to eliminate assisted suicide and the use of abortion pills, she added.

“We have to change the culture itself to one that embraces and welcomes life,” Donadio said, “so no woman ever thinks of anything but to choose life.”

Kathy Fogarty, another St. Leo the Great parishioner, said this year marked her fourth March for Life.

“I continue to come because it gives me a concrete experience of the spiritual fruits of our ongoing prayers for life,” Fogarty said. “Here I get a glimpse of the joy, hope, and love behind this movement, and it gives me strength to continue.”