Pope Francis pauses for prayer at South Korean 'cemetery for abortion victims'


Pope Francis, a leader who has often followed the creed of actions over words, delivered an especially symbolic gesture today.
While visiting South Korea, the pope paused at a "cemetery for abortion victims," which sits near a church-run home for the sick. Some Catholic critics of the pope have questioned his stance on abortion in the past, noting one interview in particular, in which Francis said the Church had become "obsessed" with moral debates, and that "we cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage, and the use of contraceptive methods."
But today's stop, during which the pope bowed his head for a short, silent prayer, was the latest instance in which he seemed to reiterate his anti-abortion beliefs. A member of the nearby charitable center, Jung Kwang-ryul, said the pope's decision to stop at the "one of a kind memorial," demonstrated "a clear testimony of his defense of life," The Boston Globe reports.
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Sarah Eberspacher is an associate editor at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked as a sports reporter at The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus and The Arizona Republic. She graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.
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