Pope Francis will grant all priests discretion to formally forgive women who have had abortions and seek absolution during the Roman Catholic Church's upcoming Holy Year.
His decision was revealed in a letter published by the Vatican today in what is the Argentine pontiff's latest move towards a more open and inclusive
church. In the letter, Francis described the 'existential and moral ordeal' faced by women who have terminated pregnancies.
The pope also said he had 'met so many women who bear in their heart the scar of this agonizing and painful decision'.
The 78-year-old, who has repeatedly urged the Church to show greater compassion, said priests should use 'words of genuine welcome'.
But said they must also make sure those involved were aware of 'the gravity of the sin committed'.
The 78-year-old pontiff, who has repeatedly urged the Church to show greater compassion, said priests should use 'words of genuine welcome' for women who have had abortions.
In church teaching, abortion is such a grave sin that those who procure or perform it incur an automatic excommunication.
It can usually only be formally forgiven by the chief confessor of a diocese – known by the Italian term 'penitenziere' – or a Christian missionary, Vatican spokesman Father Ciro Benedettini said.
Francis announced earlier this year a Jubilee year – traditionally a time for remission and forgiveness – which will run from December 8 to November 20.
It will be celebrated not only in the Vatican but in dioceses across the world.
-Daily Mail
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