In a letter to the Pontifical Council, which was released by the Vatican on Tuesday, Pope Francis has written that he will ‘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 abortion’. He also describes abortion as ‘an existential and moral ordeal’ and writes that he is ‘well aware of the pressure that has led them to this decision’.
The Jubilee Year, or 2016 to the rest of us, is a year in which the Catholic Church gives special forgiveness of sins and universal pardon. It will run from 8 December 2015 until 20 November 2016. Although the tradition dates back to before 1300, Pope Francis’ plans are nevertheless surprising for their range and sensitivity.
As well as women who have had abortions, Pope Francis’ letter makes specific mention of ‘the sick and people who are elderly and alone, often confined to the home’, ‘those incarcerated, whose freedom is limited’ (ie people in prison), the deceased and ‘those faithful who for various reasons choose to attend churches officiated by priests of the Fraternity of St Pius X’. In short, Pope Francis writes that, ‘This Jubilee Year of Mercy excludes no one.’
However, in response to the letter, the Vatican was quick to release a statement emphasising that the church does not ‘condone abortion nor minimise its grave effects’.
Read a longer extract from Pope Francis’ letter, on abortion, below:
One of the serious problems of our time is clearly the changed relationship with respect to life. A widespread and insensitive mentality has led to the loss of the proper personal and social sensitivity to welcome new life. The tragedy of abortion is experienced by some with a superficial awareness, as if not realizing the extreme 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. I think in particular of all the women who have resorted to abortion. I am well aware of the pressure that has led them to this decision. I know that it is an existential and moral ordeal. I have met so many women who bear in their heart the scar of this agonizing and painful decision. 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. For this reason too, 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. May priests fulfil this great task by expressing words of genuine welcome combined with a reflection that explains the gravity of the sin committed, besides indicating a path of authentic conversion by which to obtain the true and generous forgiveness of the Father who renews all with his presence.
Like this? Then you may be interested in:
So Your Friend Is Having An Abortion? Here's How You Can Help Her Out
14 Things Every British Woman Should Know About Having An Abortion
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.