Pope Leo has sent a telegram to the Bishops of the UK and Ireland on the occasion of the celebrations for the Day of Life of the Episcopal Conferences of England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
The Most Reverend John Sherrington
Archbishop of Liverpool
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to those participating in the 2025 “Day for Life,” being celebrated jointly by the bishops’ conferences of England and Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.
In this Jubilee Year focused on the theological virtue of hope, it is fitting that your theme, “Hope Does Not Disappoint – Finding Meaning in Suffering,” seeks to draw people’s attention to how the mystery of suffering, so prevalent in the human condition, can be transformed by grace into an experience of the Lord’s presence, for God is always close to those who are suffering and guides us to appreciate the deeper meaning of life, in love and closeness (cf. message of His Holiness Pope Francis, XXXIII World Day of the Sick).
His Holiness prays that, through your common witness to the God-given dignity of every person, without exception, and to the tender Christ-like accompaniment of the seriously ill, all in society will be encouraged to defend rather than undermine a civilization founded on authentic love and genuine compassion.
The Holy Father entrusts your efforts to the intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel, and to all supporting this “Day for Life,” he cordially imparts his apostolic blessing as a pledge of fortitude, joy, and peace in the Risen Lord.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State