Pope calls for forgiveness for women who have abortions

Pope Francis on Tuesday, September 1 called on priests to pardon women who have abortions, and the doctors who perform them, as the Catholic Church celebrates a Jubilee Year beginning December 8, 2015. “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,” Pope Fancis said. The statement goes against conservative teachings within the Catholic Church that abortion is akin to murder. The Pope added that he was well aware of the pressure that some women were under to abort, and the pain of living with the “agonizing and painful decision.” The Holy Year of Mercy will run from December 8, 2015 to November 20, 2016.  

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