In a statement following the Dobbs ruling that overturned Roe V. Wade in early 2023, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said, "The building of a truly just society rests upon respect for the sacred dignity of every person and the welcome given to each one as a brother or sister. In this regard, His Holiness [Pope Francis] trusts that Almighty God will strengthen the commitment of all, especially the young, to persevere in their efforts aimed at protecting human life in all its stages, especially through adequate legal measures enacted at every level of society."