Pope Francis Eases Church Rule On Abortion Forgiveness
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- There was another surprising announcement from the head of the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Francis says priests can formally forgive women who have had an abortion and seek absolution. This comes as our region prepares for a Papal visit next month.
Mary Bubala spoke with a local priest about the Pope's decision.
The news of a change in church practice affecting women who have had abortions came in a letter published by the Vatican Tuesday. The Pope says he has met many women bearing the scar of their agonizing decision and now he will allow all priests to formally forgive women who have had an abortion and seek absolution during the church's Holy Year of Mercy.
"He asked the bishops and priests of the world to extend in a special way that gift of mercy to situations where sometimes people ordinarily would not feel worthy of forgiveness and healing. Here in the Archdiocese, it's nothing new to us; we've been doing that for quiet some time," said Father Gilbert Seitz, Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Father Seitz says the Archbishop of Baltimore granted priests permission to forgive the sin of abortion decades ago.
The Archdiocese also started Project Rachel, a special ministry for women who have had abortions. Clergy and licensed counselors provide spiritual and psychological support to women, men and their families---and the Archbishop of Baltimore says the Pope's actions reaffirms their mission.
But as our region prepares to host the Holy Father next month, it shows his attempt to reach out to estranged Catholics and bring them back to the church.
"I think what the Holy Father is saying is that he wants the church to be the loving mother that it is, that embraces everyone---everyone---no matter where you find yourself or what situation you're in, the church is here to embrace you," he said.
Priests can absolve women of the sin of abortion during the upcoming Holy Year of Mercy, which starts December 8 and lasts until November of next year.