Pope Francis encourages compassion for women who have sought abortion
Pope Francis has called on priests to forgive women who have had abortions during the upcoming Roman Catholic Church's Holy Year, in a landmark decision听towards an inclusive and more open church.听
But the right to absolve women听who have had an abortion听will apply only during the Holy Year 鈥� traditionally a time for remission and forgiveness 鈥� that runs from December 8, 2015 to November 20, 2016.
"I am well aware of the pressure that has led them to this decision. I know that it is an existential and moral ordeal," the pope said of women who've had an abortion, .
The pontiff added that he had 鈥渕et so many women who bear in their heart the scar of this agonizing and painful decision.鈥�
In the message outlining compassion and mercy for the Holy Year, the pope said he knew that while, 鈥渢he tragedy of abortion is experienced by some with a superficial awareness, as if not realizing the extreme听harm that such an act entails. Many others, on the other hand, although experiencing this moment as a defeat, believe that they have no other option.鈥�
"I have decided, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, to concede to all priests for the Jubilee Year the discretion to absolve of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who, with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for it," he said.
In an effort to address concerns of conservatives within the Catholic Church who may be alarmed by the decision, the pope said priests should make sure those involved were aware of 鈥渢he gravity of the sin committed.鈥�
鈥淭his is by no means an attempt to minimize the gravity of this sin but to widen the possibility of showing mercy," Vatican chief spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said according to Reuters.
In Roman Catholic teachings, abortion is a grave sin and calls for automatic excommunication for those who procure it. Normally forgiveness for abortions is given by only selected clergy and missionaries.
This report includes material from Reuters.
