Pope Francis on Tuesday called on priests to pardon women who have abortions during the upcoming Jubilee year — overruling hardline traditionalists within the Catholic Church. “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,” he said. In a message outlining special measures for the Jubilee year starting in December, Francis said he knew that while “abortion is experienced by some with a superficial awareness” many others “believe that they have no other option”.
Source: Pope tells priests to pardon women who have abortions