Pope Francis has called on participants of Italy’s national March for Life to persist in their advocacy for human life, emphasising that there can be "no" compromise on this issue.

The march is designed to champion stronger support for pregnant women, children, the elderly, and the sick.

During the Angelus prayer at the Vatican on 16th June, the Pope delivered a written message of encouragement to the organisers and attendees of the march scheduled for 22nd June in Rome.

In a statement shared by Vatican News, Pope Francis commended the marchers for their dedication to safeguarding life from conception to natural death. He underscored that human life's intrinsic dignity is "non-negotiable" and too precious for compromise. In part, the letter read, "Go forward with courage despite every adversity."

Pope Francis called for the formation of a society that firmly rejects disposable attitudes towards life at all stages – from unborn children and the elderly to victims of trafficking, slavery, and war.

What is at stake is "the absolute dignity of human life, a gift of God the creator," he wrote. "The stakes are too high to be subjected to compromise or mediation."

He commended the participants on building a society "that rejects the throwaway culture for every stage of life: from the most fragile unborn child to the suffering elderly, including victims of trafficking, slavery and all wars."

Pope Francis thanked supporters for their "commitment and public witness in defence of human life from conception to natural death."