Pope Francis Says Priests May Forgive Abortions in Honor of Church's 'Mercy' Year

Pope Francis announced in a recent letter that all Catholic priests will be able to forgive women who have had abortions during the upcoming "Jubilee" year in the Catholic Church.

Francis said in a recent letter that beginning December 8 and going until November 26 of next year, priests will be able to forgive women who have received abortions. The letter did not mention abortion providers. Catholic teaching states that usually, only bishops, missionaries or chief confessors of a diocese can forgive abortions.

The allowance has been made in accordance with the Catholic Church's "Holy Year," also known as a jubilee with the theme of mercy for all members of the church.

Francis said in the letter that he understands the "existential and moral ordeal" of abortion for women, adding that he has "met so many women who bear in their heart the scar of this agonizing and painful decision."

"The tragedy of abortion is experienced by some with a superficial awareness, as if not realizing the extreme harm that such an act entails," Francis added this week. "Many others, on the other hand, although experiencing this moment as a defeat, believe that they have no other option."

"I think in particular of all the women who have resorted to abortion," the Pope continued. "I am well aware of the pressure that has led them to this decision."

Vatican officials followed up on Francis' statement, saying that the pope's intention is not to minimize the sin of abortion, but rather to call attention to the importance of forgiveness and mercy for those who have sinned.