When Pope Francis first became head of the Church, I did some research on him.

I learned that, as a Cardinal in Argentina, he was quoted as saying, “Defend the unborn against abortion even if they persecute you, calumniate you, set traps for you, take you to court or kill you.”

Strong words from a man who valued the sacredness of life from the moment of conception to the instant of natural death. The late Holy Father was a champion of the marginalized—and no one is more marginalized in our society than the unborn child.

The pontiff also preached a “revolution of tenderness” which the pro-life movement lives out each day. Through its outreach to pregnant women in difficult circumstances, the movement offers mothers the hope and strength they need to carry on amidst trying times.

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I also had a personal connection to Pope Francis. At a time when I was particularly worried and distraught, I sent him a letter asking for prayers. A Vatican representative responded by sending me a papal prayer card and a letter assuring me of the Holy Father’s prayers. I had the mementos framed and the display now hangs in my office—a constant reminder of Pope Francis’ kindness to me.

People around the world are grieving the loss of this Pope with a pastor’s heart. Let us pray that his successor will be equally devoted to defending the most defenseless among us.

LifeNews.com Note: Maria Gallagher is the Legislative Director and Political Action Committee Director for the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation and she has written and reported for various broadcast and print media outlets, including National Public Radio, CBS Radio, and AP Radio.

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