Pope Francis has urged Catholics in Britain and Ireland to combat the “culture of death” in a message ahead of Day for Life on Sunday. The message, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, said the Pope was confident that the Day for Life would inspire "young Catholics in particular" not only to help ensure "adequate legal protection for the fundamental human right to life, but also by seeking to bring the merciful love of Christ as a life-giving balm to those troubling ‘new forms of poverty and vulnerability’ which are increasingly evident in contemporary society”. He added: “To all involved in the Day for Life celebrations, His Holiness imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of wisdom, joy and peace in the Risen Lord.” The theme of this year’s Day for Life is “Protect and Cherish Life”, with the Twitter hashtag #livelife. Over half a million postcards have been sent to parishes in England and Wales in readiness for Sunday. The proceeds of the Day for Life collection will assist the work of the Anscombe Bioethics Centre and other life-related activities supported by the Church. The day is celebrated every year by the Church in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.