Carlos Polo, Director of the PRI Ibero-American office, is the newest board member of the International Right to Life Federation (IRTLF).
The IRTLF is known as one of the world’s most powerful networks of pro-life organizations. Its members share vital research supporting the legal protection of all innocent human life from conception to natural death worldwide. The organization has been promoting critical scientific, educational and social assistance initiatives for 38 years.
The IRTLF was founded in 1984 by Dr. John C. Willke, a pro-life pioneer who served as its President until 2012. The group divides its activity into 11 geographical regions: the United States, Canada, Ibero-America, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, the United Kingdom, Western Europe, Australia/New Zealand, Pacific Rim, and Eastern and Central Europe. The Board of Directors comprises twelve members: the President, and one representative from each region. As of April 26, Carlos Polo now serves as the Board’s representative from Ibero-America.
In 2012, Dr. Wilke was succeeded by Bradley Mattes, who founded the IRTLF with Dr. Wilke. Mattes tells the Weekly Briefing that Polo’s appointment to the Board of Directors had been approved by a unanimous vote of the Board members.
Steven W. Mosher, President of PRI, cheered Polo’s appointment and said: “This is quite an honor. And it is also a recognition of the importance of Carlos’ ongoing contribution to the Culture of Life throughout what we are now calling the Ibero-American region. May God continue to bless your efforts on behalf of Life, Carlos! We are all proud to be associated with you.”
Carlos Polo is a leader with a long history of efficient pro-life work. There is no group in Ibero-America that has not received his visit or his help at one time or another. In virtually every major pro-life battle of the last twenty years, Carlos has played a role, often behind the scenes as he assisted other Ibero-American groups, contributing his experience and expertise. He has now expanded his efforts to help allies in Europe and beyond.
Polo’s work in recent years has focused on creating analytical and strategic tools that enable pro-life leaders to improve their skills. These tools are aimed at enabling these leaders to successfully participate in public life. To that end, he has taught more than 100 courses in 18 countries, benefiting more than 3,500 pro-life activists.
Together, Carlos and this author have written two books: “Análisis de Escenario con Mentalidad de Ajedrecista” (2012) and “Que no decidan por ti. Doing Politics in the Post-Truth Era” (2018). We have also edited the books Pandemonium I, II and III (2020 -2021), with more than 500,000 downloads in Spanish-speaking America.
A Peruvian native, Polo and his wife Maria Elisa have three children on earth and two in heaven. His university degree in Social Anthropology has contributed to his keen understanding of the relationship between people’s daily lives, politics, and the pro-life cause. After working as a consultant in the private sector for several years, he has dedicated himself entirely to the promotion of the pro-life cause for more than two decades.
In addition to directing the PRI Office in Latin America, Polo is a member of the Board of CitizenGO, a digital platform with more than 17 million members that coordinates citizen activism in 12 languages. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Hazteoir, the most recognized Spanish citizen association that promotes the rights of the person and the family and the value of life. He is also part of the Committee of Experts of Political Network for Values, a global platform of political representatives for the promotion of the protection of human life, marriage, the family, and freedom of religion and conscience. And finally, he is a Knight of Columbus and a member of its Foundational Council in Peru.
In 2016, the Seventh International Pro Life Congress awarded Carlos the Humanitarian Award for his outstanding contribution to the international pro-human-life and pro-family movement. This author had the pleasure of presenting that award in Guatemala City, and was joined by numerous leaders from the region gathered.
Carlos has also played a key role in achieving the astounding success of Peru’s March for Life, the largest such demonstration in the region in which nearly one million people participate every year. Peru’s March has served as a model for other similar demonstrations throughout Ibero-America.
The PRI staff is proud of Carlos’ work. We believe that his appointment to the IRTLF Board will increase the impact of both institutions. His appointment represents an important moment in our efforts in the worldwide battle for the culture of life.
Carlos Polo’s lifetime of dedication and hard work serves as an example for pro-lifers all over the world.
