Priests can now absolve women who have had abortions

yinka ogunlami

September 1, 2015 3:57 PM

"It can usually only be formally forgiven by the chief confessor of a diocese or a Christian missionary,"

Pope Francis

Pope Francis announced today that priests can now absolve women who have had abortions, if they seek for forgiveness during this Holy year of mercy.

He mentioned in March that the holy year would run until November 20, 2016 and it will be a way to promote inclusiveness.

In a letter published by the Vatican, The Pontiff described the 'existential and moral ordeal' faced by women who have terminated pregnancies and said he had "met so many women who bear in their heart the scar of this agonising and painful decision".

“I am well aware of the pressure that has led [women] to this decision," he wrote in the announcement. "I know that it is an existential and moral ordeal."

Abortion is viewed as a grave sin by the catholics, and those who perform it are usually excommunicated.

"It can usually only be formally forgiven by the chief confessor of a diocese or a Christian missionary," Vatican spokesman, Father Ciro Benedettini said.

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