More than 2,000 Roman Catholics attended a "Celebration of Freedom" rally at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., this weekend.

Speakers urged attendees to put aside politics for a prayerful and patriotic celebration of their God-given rights. The event kicked off a two-week program called the "Fortnight for Freedom."

Roman Catholics opposed to President Obama's healthcare mandate on birth control say it's imperative to stand up for religious freedom.

The pope's ambassador to the United States, Archbishop Carlo Vigano, led prayer, asking God to "guard our religious freedom so we may continue to live out our faith."

He said Pope Benedict fully supports the Fortnight for Freedom, which continues through the Fourth of July.

Fortnight for Freedom will focus on prayer, teaching, and rallies on religious liberty.