Pope Francis’ proclamation of a Year of Mercy – the year which has just ended – was initially seen as part of his desire for a more compassionate approach to issues such as the admission of divorced and remarried Catholics to Holy Communion. His implicit message to the Church seemed to be “How can we urge others to mercy if we do not show it ourselves?”, relating to the complaint that divorce and remarriage was seen by many in the Church as the one unforgiveable sin. It is clear, however, both from his papal bull Misericordiae Vultus of April 2015, and his closing apostolic letter Misericordia e Pace, just released, that Francis’ understanding of the importance of mercy in human life was far more comprehensive, indeed all-embracing.

This is the right way to understand his ruling that absolution for the sin of abortion can henceforth be given by a priest in Confession alongside other sins, instead of being reserved to the local bishop or those specially designated for the purpose.