Parishioners from across the Archdiocese travelled to London on Saturday for the annual March for Life UK, the country’s largest pro-life gathering.
It was an early start, with the group leaving Edinburgh before 6:00am, but spirits were high as they travelled south by train to join thousands of people witnessing publicly to the Gospel of Life.
The day included talks, prayer and Mass before thousands took to the streets for the March.
A message from Pope Leo XIV was read out by Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland.
The Holy Father stressed that “every truly just society is built upon the recognition of the inviolable dignity of the human person”, adding that this dignity belongs to every person simply by virtue of their existence.
Final Prayer by the numerous bishops of the UK 🇬🇧 #March4LifeUK #AbortionHurtsTheFamily #Prolife #London #UK pic.twitter.com/p8jPCHr6Xn
— March4LifeUK (@March4LifeUK) September 5, 2026
Leading the Archdiocesan group were Fr Benedict Iwatt, Vicar Episcopal for Marriage and Families, and Paul Atkin, Archdiocesan Pro-Life Officer.
Fr Benedict said: “It was wonderful to see so many people, especially so many young people and families, coming together with such joy to witness to the dignity of every human life.
“I was very proud to be here with our group from St Andrews & Edinburgh. It shows that the Gospel of Life is something we can proclaim with confidence, hope and joy.”
Paul said: “This is our first year attending the March for Life as an Archdiocesan group and it has been a fantastic day. We had people from parishes across the Archdiocese travelling together, meeting other pro-lifers and publicly witnessing to our faith.
“The trip was made possible in part by the generosity of parishioners who contribute to our annual Day for Life collection.
“We were able to use some of those funds to subsidise fares and make the trip much more affordable. Thank you to everyone who contributed.”
The group returned to Edinburgh that evening after a long but joyful day.
Paul added: “We certainly intend to be back. Save the date for next year: Saturday 4 September 2027!”
