- 13 August, 2025
Bangalore, August 13, 2025 — “Every two seconds, a child becomes a victim of abortion. Even as I speak now, another innocent life is being lost,” Archbishop Francis Kalist of Pondicherry and Cuddalore declared, addressing thousands at the 4th National March for Life in Bangalore on August 9. The prelate’s voice carried a deep urgency as he denounced abortion as a national tragedy, claiming over 1.56 crore lives each year in India.
The Archbishop observed that many in positions of authority — “politicians, bishops, priests, religious, lawmakers, members of the judiciary, and medical professionals” — remain unaware of, or silent about, the issue. “One of our primary responsibilities as bishops and priests is to ‘speak out for those who cannot speak’ (Proverbs 31:8). Yet how often have you heard a homily or a catechism class address abortion, contraception, or gender ideology? Hardly ever,” he lamented.
He warned against what he termed “misguided mercy,” quoting Cardinal Robert Sarah: “Do not deceive people with the word ‘mercy.’ God forgives sin only if we repent of it.” The Archbishop added, “This mercy came at a great cost — our Saviour had to die on the cross. Please don’t take it for granted.”
Echoing Pope Leo XIV’s call for bishops to be “fishers of families,” Archbishop Kalist urged lay Catholics to become “fishers” of individual family members. “Your mission is to ensure that your priests act like priests, your bishops act like bishops, and your religious act like religious,” he said, recalling Venerable Fulton Sheen’s famous words.
Archbishop Kalist also confronted misconceptions about pro-life work. “The pro-life apostolate is not mere social work. It is about defending the dignity of the most vulnerable — the unborn and the elderly. The refusal to take sides on great moral issues is itself a decision. It is a silent acquiescence to evil.”
Sharing stories from his pastoral visits, he revealed that countless mothers regretted abortions after learning the truth too late. “Had Church leaders openly told us what happens in an abortion, we wouldn’t have committed it,” many told him. He credited CHARIS India’s “Flesh & Bones” and “Vita” initiatives for changing lives and urged Catholic institutions to adopt them so “the sanctity of life is upheld from womb to tomb.”
He concluded with a rallying cry: “The time has come to boldly proclaim a Culture of Life among shepherds, priests, religious, and all the People of God. Let us continue to march for life until the law of God, which preserves and protects life in all its stages, is restored in our land.”
The event, hosted by Archbishop Peter Machado, Vice President of the CCBI, drew delegates from across India. Archbishop Kalist announced that Archbishop George Antonysamy of Chennai will host the next National March for Life on August 9, 2026, and expressed gratitude to Archbishop Andrews Mar Thazhath, President of the CBCI, for his steadfast support of the pro-life mission.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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