Diocese of Orange Clarifies Pope Francis’s Jubilee Year Announcement on Forgiveness for Abortion
Pope Francis shares the importance of Mercy toward those seeking forgiveness after abortion.
GARDEN GROVE, CALIF., (SEP. 1, 2015) – In a recent announcement, Pope Francis stated that during the upcoming Jubilee Year of Mercy, he will allow all priests “to absolve of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who, with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for it.”
The Holy Father’s announcement offers a great opportunity to clarify the Church’s teaching on mercy and forgiveness.
A Message of Compassion
The hurt and pain that follow an abortion are tremendous and heart-wrenching for both women and men. In his letter, Pope Francis acknowledged this profound struggle:
“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.”
Putting the Announcement in Context
While the Church teaches that abortion is a grave sin, it is important to understand the following:
- Forgiveness is Always Available: Forgiveness for the sin of abortion has always been available in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).
- Practice in the United States: For many years, most (if not all) U.S. Bishops have already granted their priests the faculty (the authority) to forgive this sin and remove the associated penalty of excommunication.
The Pope’s gesture extends this faculty to all priests worldwide for the Jubilee Year, emphasizing God’s universal and boundless mercy.
A Time for Reconciliation and Healing
The papal announcement comes as we prepare for the Year of Mercy, a time rooted in reconciliation. It is an invitation to reach out to those who are lost in the woes of hurt and sin and to offer the profound mercy and love of Christ, who saves all.
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