“We certainly support their local work and pray for their success,” the statement says.

According to the statement, the Youth Rally and Mass for Life had been held for over 25 years. 

According to the archdiocese’s youth ministry website, the Youth Rally aims to “encourage the youth participating in the national March for Life in their witness as disciples of Christ and promoters of the Gospel of Life.”

The Youth Rally is the archdiocese’s largest annual event, according to the website.

Last year, the Holy See granted a plenary indulgence for any Masses that were held in the archdiocese during the March for Life, the website says.

“As difficult a decision as it was to cancel, we encourage groups traveling to Washington, D.C., to participate in the National March for Life at the National Mall and to attend the Vigil Mass at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception,” the statement says.

“Wilton Cardinal Gregory, archbishop of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, would like to express his deepest gratitude for the support and participation of archdiocesan youth and young people who traveled to Washington, D.C., over these past 25 years,” the statement says.