D.C. Archdiocese cancels annual Mass for Life rally, as focus turns to states on abortion issue

Hundreds of thousands of people have attended the church event before the March for Life for the past 25 years.
Pro-life supporters celebrate outside the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC, on June 24, 2022.
By Madeleine Hubbard

The Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., has canceled its Youth Rally and Mass for Life 2023 and will instead focus on state rallies. 

Wilton Cardinal Gregory, the archbishop of the church, said Tuesday in making the announcement that he first consulted with other dioceses, which think the focus should now be on states, considering the Supreme Court in June struck down federal law protecting abortion, effectively handing the matter to states.

"During this consultation process, we heard from many dioceses who shared that they are turning their efforts to their state’s March for Life now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned," he said. "We certainly support their local work and pray for their success."

Hundreds of thousands of people have attended the church event before the March for Life for the past 25 years, according to The Daily Caller. 

"As difficult a decision as it was to cancel, we encourage groups traveling to Washington, D.C. to participate in the National March for Life at the National Mall and to attend the Vigil Mass at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception," the archdiocese said.