Pope on abortion: Francis relaxes forgiveness rules
In Catholicism, abortion is viewed as such a grave sin that it can punished with excommunication.
In most countries, only a bishop can approve forgiveness for abortion. They would then delegate an expert priest to hear the confession.
The change is only for the coming Jubilee Year, beginning in December.
However, the rule relaxation will not affect Catholics in England, Wales and Scotland as all priests there can already forgive abortion without seeking permission from a bishop.