Pope Francis will grant all priests discretion to formally forgive women who have had abortions and seek absolution during the Roman Catholic Church's upcoming Holy Year. His decision was revealed in a letter published by the Vatican today in what is the Argentine pontiff's latest move towards a more open and inclusive church. In the letter, Francis described the 'existential and moral ordeal' faced by women who have terminated pregnancies. The pope also said he had 'met so many women who bear in their heart the scar of this agonizing and painful decision'. The 78-year-old, who has repeatedly urged the Church to show greater compassion, said priests should use 'words of genuine welcome'. But said they must also make sure those involved were aware of 'the gravity of the sin committed'. The 78-year-old pontiff, who has repeatedly urged the Church to show greater compassion, said priests should use 'words of genuine welcome' for women who have had abortions In church teaching, abortion is such a grave sin that those who procure or perform it incur an automatic excommunication. It can usually only be formally forgiven by the chief confessor of a diocese – known by the Italian term 'penitenziere' – or a Christian missionary, Vatican spokesman Father Ciro Benedettini said. Francis announced earlier this year a Jubilee year – traditionally a time for remission and forgiveness – which will run from December 8 to November 20. It will be celebrated not only in the Vatican but in dioceses across the world.
Writing is my passion and facts-proofing is my hobby, I have been writing at Gistmania for close to a decade now and It is one of the most exciting things I do. Outside writing, I love enjoying time with my loved ones - if you have any tip for me, please do get in touch
Posted: at 1-09-2015 05:13 PM (9 years ago) | Gistmaniac
Hmmm, see as all of una take forget ajanni for this forum. (Yeah he was caught for oil bunkering and has been sentence in ogun state for 7yrs) no matter what, he is still our beloved friend. Pls let's always put him in our prayers.
Posted: at 1-09-2015 05:53 PM (9 years ago) | Hero
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