As every year, thousands gathered in Washington at the so-called "March for Life," an annual event to protest against abortion, a march that was supported by Pope Francis this year.
Through his Twitter account, the Pope offered his support to protestors and asked that the lives of "the most vulnerable" be protected.
I join the March for Life in Washington with my prayers. May God help us respect all life, especially the most vulnerable
- Pope Francis (@Pontifex) Jan. 22, 2014
According to Reuters, in December 2013, Francis energetically pronounced himself against abortion, and described it as a "horror," in one of the few instances the new Pope has used decidedly harsh language regarding a still controversial subject.
According to the AFP, in September 2013, Francis denounced abortions as a symptom of the "use and discard culture" of today, and said that it was "terrifying to think there are children victims of abortion, that will never see the light," in what seems to be a change in the posture he had when he became pope.
It's worth noting that Francis, who has pronounced himself against abortions less times than his predecessor, Benedict XVI, was harshly criticized when he became pope by numerous conservative Catholics due to his relative support for the LGBT community when he asked for "mercy" for homosexuals.
The Archdiocese of Washington welcomed thousands of faithful Catholics and activists at the National Mall, in an event that included music performances and religious events at the Verizon Center.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
