Archbishop Emeritus Naumann, a staunch defender of life

Beginning with courage

From the very start, life has marked  Archbishop Naumann’s story. His father passed away while his mother was just three months pregnant with him. Despite the tragedy, his mother courageously chose life—a choice that shaped his lifelong commitment to defending life.  That moment inspired a ministry centered on compassion and courage, and today remains foundational to   Vitae Foundation’s mission, grounded in the conviction “  Vitae   Victoria Erit”—Life  Will Be Victorious.

Shaping the Movement

As  Archdiocesan Pro-Life Coordinator in St. Louis (1984–1995), he helped launch Project Rachel and the Lifeline Coalition, ministries that have since brought healing and protection to countless lives. Later, as  Archbishop of Kansas City and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Pro-Life  Activities Committee, he gave the national Church a strong and compassionate voice for life. More recently, he led the creation of  Walking with Moms in Need, a nationwide parish initiative supporting women in unexpected pregnancies.

His most direct influence, however, was his support of Vitae Foundation.  As a founding board member, he urged us to be bold, to research deeply, and to speak with compassion. “We have to be creative in searching for words and images that can spark curiosity and enlighten minds, as well as transform the hearts of those who have been seduced by the culture of death,” he said. 

His leadership has been vital in making  Vitae a recognized leader in pro-life research and messaging strategies.

Legacy

Above all,  Archbishop Naumann’s motto, “Life will be victorious” captures his enduring impact.   Those words live at the heart of Vitae Foundation and continue to guide its mission to protect life at every stage for generations to come.

Please consider becoming a part of something bigger—

joining a community of dedicated supporters who can make a sustainable difference each year. This exclusive giving society offers you the chance to uphold Vitae’s mission in a way that provides greater impact, deeper connection and propels us toward a future where abortion is unthinkable. We invite you to join this annual giving society.

Choose a level

To join the Naumann Giving Society, reach out to your local Market Director below:

Kansas City Area
Angie Springs
(O) 573.634.4316
(C) 816.390.2640

Click here to email Angie

Jefferson City Area
Jenn Hammann
(O) 573.634.4316 ext. 2
Click here to email Jenn

St. Louis Area
Nick Johnson
(O) 573.634.4316
(C) 314.660.8872

Click here to email Nick

Springfield, Missouri Area
Cassidy Anderson
(O) 573.634.4316
(C) 417.644.6873

Click here to email Cass

Dallas, Texas Area
Stacey Kromer
(O) 573.634.4316 ext. 212
(C) 573.690.5751

Click here to email Stacey

In their own words

“Archbishop Naumann has been a pro-life leader
and life-long defender of the preborn child.
He is much-loved and highly respected
by the pro-life community.”
–National Right to Life

“Undoubtedly, Archbishop Naumann has been the strong yet gentle Lion
of the Pro-Life Movement.”
–Peter Northcott,
Executive Director, Kansans for Life

“Archbishop Joseph Naumann is the Lou Gehrig of pro-life. He’s been on the frontlines since
he was a seminarian. [ The] bishops are
lucky to have him!”
–Cardinal  Timothy Dolan

“ This generation is constantly looking for authentic leaders.  When you have a person like  Archbishop Naumann who’s authentic and teaching the truth, they’re going to respond to that.”
–Stephen Minnis,
president of Benedictine College