On March 25, people across more than a dozen countries celebrate the solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, also marked as the International Day of the Unborn Child.
This day, which has its roots in Argentina, holds great significance due to the involvement of Pope St. John Paul II in its establishment.
The Origins of the Day
The idea for this special day emerged on November 13, 1998, when Pope John Paul II met with Carlos Saúl Menem, the president of Argentina, during a private audience in Rome.
It was during this meeting that Menem proposed the idea of creating a day to honor the unborn.
Menem, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 90, discussed the proposal with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, who was the Vatican’s Secretary of State at the time, and attended Mass at the Argentine National Church in Rome.
Pope’s Prayer for Argentina
During that Mass, Pope John Paul II delivered a heartfelt homily where he spoke about the importance of the Virgin Mary to Argentina, referring to her as Our Lady of Luján, the country’s patroness.
He prayed, “Our Lady of Luján, help the people of Argentina, support them in their defense of life, console them in their suffering, accompany them in their joys, and always help them to raise their eyes to heaven, where the colors of their flag blend with the colors of your immaculate mantle.”
A Decree to Mark the Day
In the wake of this meeting, Menem, along with his foreign minister, Guido di Tella, signed Decree 1406/98 on December 8, 1998—on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
This decree officially established March 25 as the Day of the Unborn Child, with the first celebration taking place in 1999.
The decree highlighted that the birth of Jesus Christ is the most celebrated birth in the world, not just by Christians but by people of all faiths.
A Day for Life and Reflection
Since its establishment, March 25 has become a day for individuals and communities to reflect on the sanctity of life and advocate for the protection of the unborn.
This special day continues to be observed in Argentina and across the globe, fostering a deeper appreciation for the value of every human life.