Pope Francis has announced that all priests will be allowed to absolve the sin of abortion during the forthcoming Year of Mercy.
The instruction is contained in a letter from the Pope to Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelisation, who is organising the extraordinary jubilee year.
Normally, only bishops have the power to grant absolution for what is regarded as a grave sin.
Pope Francis, in his letter, points to “a widespread and insensitive mentality has led to the loss of the proper personal and social sensitivity to welcome new life”. With reference to women who have abortions he says they may have a “superficial awareness” of the “extreme harm” caused or feel they have no other option.
With reference to such cases he writes: “What has happened is profoundly unjust; yet only understanding the truth of it can enable one not to lose hope. The forgiveness of God cannot be denied to one who has repented, especially when that person approaches the Sacrament of Confession with a sincere heart in order to obtain reconciliation with the Father.”
He continues that for this reason “nothwithstanding anything to the contrary” all priests have discretion to absolve the sin of abortion during the jubilee year. The ruling is conditional on penitents seeking forgiveness with a “contrite heart” and priests explaining the gravity of the sin committed.
Asked about the significance of the Pope’s instruction, the English language assistant to the Holy See Press Office, Fr Thomas Rosica, stressed that forgiveness for the sin of abortion does not condone it or minimize its grave effects.
“The newness is clearly Pope Francis' pastoral approach. Many bishops have granted priests permission to forgive the sin. The fact that this statement is coming from the Pope and in such a moving, pastoral way, is more evidence of the great pastoral approach and concern of Pope Francis,” said Fr Rosica.
The Year of Mercy opens on 8 December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and ends on 20 November, 2016, the feast of Christ the King.
Other acts of mercy during the jubilee year mentioned in the Pope’s letter include an indulgence granted to prisoners who enter their prison chapels.
Also significant in the letter is dispensation to priests of the schismatic Society of St Pius X to hear confessions and forgive sins.
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