Pope to allow absolution of abortion during Holy Year
Pope Francis has decreed that priests may absolve women of the “sin of a procured abortion” during Holy Year next year.
In Catholic teaching, it is normally only bishops or the Pope himself who may absolve the faithful of the sin of abortion, which leads to excommunication from the Church.
In keeping with his ministry of mercy, however, Pope Francis has extended his powers of forgiveness to those “missionaries of mercy” priests who will visit Catholic dioceses and parishes during Holy Year....