Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson Perez addresses congregants during his homily at the July 25 liturgy, which was followed by a 14-block procession to Planned Parenthood’s Center City location

Archbishop Nelson Perez (lower right) walks in a July 25 procession from the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul to a prayer vigil at Planned Parenthood in Center City. The gathering, sponsored by the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia, drew some 400 participants. (Sarah Webb)

A participant in a July 25 pro-life Mass and prayer vigil walks from the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul to Planned Parenthood in Center City. The gathering, sponsored by the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia, drew some 400 attendees, whom Archbishop Nelson Perez commended for their steadfast efforts to promote the sanctity of human life. (Photo by Sarah Webb)

Archbishop Nelson Perez walks in procession with participants in the July 25 pro-life gathering.

Father Dennis Gill, rector of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, led participants in the recitation of the rosary as they processed after the July 25 Mass to Planned Parenthood’s Center City location.

A number of children, teens and youth participated in the July 25 pro-life program.

Sisters of Life were among the approximately 400 participants at the July 25 Mass, prayer vigil and rally sponsored by the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia.

During the July 25 ecumenical prayer vigil and rally in front of Planned Parenthood, several speakers noted the need to address the financial hardships that often factor into the decision to seek an abortion.

Archbishop Perez speaks at the July 25 ecumenical prayer vigil and rally. Addressing the crowd afterward, Pro-Life Union chairman Father Christopher Walsh (right) noted that Planned Parenthood had recently begun to reckon with founder Margaret Sanger’s racism.