- 10 August, 2026
Chennai, August 10, 2026: Cardinal Anthony Poola, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), has called on Catholics to make the defence of human life a central priority of the Church, describing the pro-life mission as “the most important mission” to be undertaken in dioceses, religious congregations and institutions.
Addressing thousands of participants at India’s 5th National March for Life in Chennai on August 8, Cardinal Poola urged the Church to speak up for the dignity of every human person, particularly unborn children and the elderly.
The Cardinal thanked Archbishop George Antonysamy of Madras-Mylapore for hosting the national event and acknowledged the contribution of Archbishop Francis Kalist and the CHARIS India team in organising the annual march and advocating for people “who do not have a voice in society.”
Recalling the words of St Teresa of Calcutta, Cardinal Poola cited her observation that “the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion,” saying the message remains relevant amid continuing conflicts and violence across the world.
The march, he said, provided an opportunity to raise a collective voice against the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, which provides the legal framework for abortion in India.
Referring to the pro-life movement, Cardinal Poola recalled Pope St John Paul II’s encouragement to those defending human life: “You are doing the most important work on earth. Be not afraid!”
Reiterating the late Pope’s message, Cardinal Poola said the protection of life should become a priority throughout the Church in India.
“Pro-life is the most important mission to be carried out in our dioceses, congregations and institutions,” he said, adding that his presence at the march was an expression of solidarity with those working to uphold the right to life of every unborn child.
The CBCI President also referred to Pope Leo XIV’s recent address to the Vatican Diplomatic Corps, in which the Pope emphasised respect for the dignity of every person, “especially the most frail and vulnerable, from the unborn to the elderly.”
Cardinal Poola said the Church and society have an urgent responsibility to protect those who are most vulnerable, particularly unborn children and the elderly.
Quoting St Padre Pio’s warning about the consequences of losing a sense of horror towards abortion, Cardinal Poola said indifference to the issue had become widespread. He described the failure to respond adequately to abortion as “a sad reality in the church” and called for renewed commitment to proclaiming and promoting the Gospel of Life.
At the same time, he expressed encouragement that the Church in India was increasingly finding the courage to speak publicly on the issue.
Towards the conclusion of his address, Cardinal Poola recalled Pope St John Paul II’s appeal to young people during World Youth Day in Denver, urging them not to be afraid to take the Church’s message of life into public spaces and to make its “yes” to life concrete and effective.
The Cardinal also appreciated the pro-life exhibition and life seminars organised alongside the march, thanking those involved for placing their talents, energy and enthusiasm “at the service of life and the church.”
Concluding his address, Cardinal Poola urged participants to continue working “tirelessly, faithfully, and boldly” in defence of human life.
He also invited participants to Hyderabad for the 6th National March for Life, scheduled to be held on August 8–9, 2027.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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