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.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up