The Florida Catholic Bishops joined other U.S. Catholic leaders in calling attention to October being Respect Life Month.

“Today is Respect Life Sunday, which kicks off Respect Life Month!” the group tweeted this week. “It’s time to build a culture of life that recognizes the value of all human life. Stay tuned for more details throughout this month on how to walk with moms in need.” 

U.S. Catholic leaders are using the month’s designation as a chance to stress the Church’s pro-life stance. Archbishop William E. Lori, of Baltimore, outlined that and called for a revival of the culture of life in a recent press release.

“It is the time for a renewal and rededication of our efforts to build a culture of life and civilization of love,” Lori said in a U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) statement. Lori formerly chaired the USCCB. “Justice requires that the basic protections of the law against violence be extended to the pre-born child... a world in which all are welcome requires not only justice, but compassion, healing, and above all, unconditional love.”  

It is time for Catholics to “shift the paradigm to what St. Pope John Paul II described as ‘radical solidarity,’ making the good of others our own good, including especially mothers, babies (born and unborn), and families throughout the entire human lifespan,” he said.

The pro-life view got a leg up earlier this year with the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Dobbs v. Jackson case. Catholics can use that as a starting point as they pray for pro-life legislation in the states, Lori said.

“Our Church understands that parents, children, and families need help not just during pregnancy, but throughout the whole of life’s journey because millions of Catholics already accompany their neighbors in such circumstances,” he continued.

The Catholic Church has opposed abortion for centuries, despite evolving biological theories about when exactly life begins, the USCCB says. The Catechism addresses the matter, saying: ”Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law" (No. 2271) 

The majority of Americans do not support unrestricted access to abortion, according to a Gallup Poll conducted in May. It found that 50% of respondents said they believe abortion should only be legal under certain circumstances, and 13% believed abortion should be illegal in all circumstances, while 35% believed abortion should be legal in all cases. 

Other Catholic leaders issued tweets in support of Lori’s statement.

“Our work for the cause of life is more spiritual than it is political,” Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez, who also is president of the USCCB, said in a tweet. “We believe that our God is a God of love. Let us ask him today in our rosary to open our hearts to the love for all life, even those hardest to love.” 

Catholics who want to help rebuild the culture of life from within and outside the Church can turn to RespectLife.org, which offers materials to help people better understand the gift on life. A parish webinar, Respect Life poster, Prayer for pregnant mothers, an action guide, and more can be found on the group’s website.