Thousands March for Life in Vilnius, Championing the sanctity of Life Across the Baltics
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Thousands gathered in Lithuania’s capital on Saturday, October 4, 2025, for the “Žygis už gyvybę” (“March for Life”), a powerful demonstration celebrating the value of human life and advocating for it’s protection. The event drew participants from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland, uniting diverse voices in a call for a more compassionate society.
A Diverse Gathering for a Common Cause
The march began in the early afternoon near the Martynas Mažvydas National Library, attracting a broad spectrum of attendees including families, students, activists, artists, and clergy. Promoted by a coalition of civil and religious organizations, the event underscored a shared commitment to affirming the inherent worth of every human life.
Religious leaders from across the region voiced their support, including Latvian Catholic Archbishop Zbigņevs Stankevičs of Riga and Latvian Lutheran bishop Rinalds Grants, who expressed solidarity with the march’s objectives. Auxiliary Bishop Saulius Bužauskas of Kaunas, Lithuania, participated in the march in person, demonstrating the event’s significance within the Catholic Church.
Voices of Inspiration and Reflection
The opening ceremony featured speakers from a variety of backgrounds, offering insights from medical, social, philosophical, and personal perspectives. Dr. Lina Šulcienė emphasized the urgent need for a more compassionate society, stating, “The depths of our conscience cry out for a path other than the culture of death. our inner humanity calls for a culture of life, one marked by solidarity, genuine compassion, and sensitivity to human beings, respecting their lives.”
Agnieszka Gracz, coordinator of pro-life marches for Poland’s Centrum Życia i rodziny (Center for Life and Family), also addressed the crowd. She highlighted the impact of public demonstrations in Poland, noting that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, her organization helped facilitate approximately 150 marches annually.Gracz explained
Baltic Echoes and a Call for Dialog
Markus Järvi, editor-in-chief of Estonia’s Objektiiv, expressed his appreciation for the Vilnius march and its potential to inspire similar initiatives throughout the Baltic states. He described a ancient silence surrounding abortion in Estonia, a legacy of the Soviet era when the procedure was widely practiced and subsequently became a social taboo.
“despite this, many Estonians value marriage and family life,” Järvi said. “We need to break the societal silence on this matter in order to have honest conversations about life.” He emphasized the crucial role of both civil society and religious institutions in fostering open and thoughtful dialogue. He urged young people to “Search, and you will find it,” recognizing the sanctity of life as a basic truth.
Shifting Values in Post-Soviet Lithuania
Professor benas Ulevičius,dean of the faculty of Catholic theology at Vytautas Magnus University,reflected on the evolving societal values in post-Soviet Lithuania. He noted that while independence brought economic benefits, it also led to a prioritization of career and wealth over family life, leaving some individuals feeling unfulfilled. He encouraged young adults to find deeper meaning through family, emphasizing the unique joy and happiness it offers.
A Hub for Support and Education
Alongside the main program, Cathedral Square hosted a family-friendly zone featuring booths from organizations such as Nacionalinė šeimų ir tėvų asociacija (National Association of Families and Parents) and ProLife Vilnius. Visitors had the possibility to explore resources,sign petitions,participate in children’s activities,and learn about available family support services.
The event culminated in a special Mass celebrated by Father Deividas Stankevičius in Vilnius Cathedral.
organizers and participants alike expressed optimism that the March for Life in Vilnius will continue to grow in both size and impact. Many believe this year’s march represents a turning point, potentially sparking broader conversations about life, family, and the future of society not only in Lithuania but across the entire Baltic region.
