By Steven Ertelt, LifeNews, May 8, 2025
Washington, DC – Eric Scheidler, director of the Pro-Life Action League, expressed jubilation Thursday over the election of Pope Leo XIV, citing the new pontiff’s deep ties to Chicago and steadfast pro-life convictions.
“As a Catholic, a pro-life advocate, and a Chicagoan, I joyfully celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV,” Scheidler said in a statement to LifeNews.
He noted that Cardinal Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, spent much of his life and ministry in Chicago, home to the Pro-Life Action League’s headquarters.
“I feel a special closeness to him in that regard.”
Scheidler praised the new pope’s commitment to defending life, pointing to a recent homily where Pope Leo XIV declared, “God’s mercy calls us to protect every life, especially those society overlooks—the child yet to be born and the elderly nearing their journey’s end—because each bears Christ’s face.”
“As a pro-life activist, I am also deeply heartened to know that our new pope holds strong pro-life convictions as evidenced by his words in a recent homily,” he said.
The Pro-Life Action League, based in Chicago, advocates for the protection of unborn children and promotes a culture of life through activism and education.
