“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 Francis said. “Do not forget that God forgives all, and God forgives always,” he added reinforcing the jubilee principle of focus on mercy and forgiveness this year. Chad Pecknold, a theologian at Catholic University, said the letter was a “typical Francis move” in that it was emphasizing mercy rather than judgment on a topic. Some theologians who have applauded the pope’s efforts remain a bit uneasy with the way he’s wielding his authority in this matter.
