To the Point

Pope Francis Expands Forgiveness for the "Sin of Abortion"

Pope Francis says priests can forgive women who've had abortions, considered a grave sin by the Catholic Church. Over the next Holy Year, women who repent and confess can be absolved by any ordained priest. Reformers within the church see this as an olive branch in the divisive debate over abortion.

By Barbara Bogaev • Sep 1, 2015 • 9m Listen

Pope Francis says priests can forgive women who've had abortions, considered a grave sin by the Catholic Church. Over the next Holy Year, women who repent and confess can be absolved by any ordained priest. Reformers within the church see this as an olive branch in the divisive debate over abortion. Conservatives are framing it as nothing more than a bolstering up of the power of priests. Frances Kissling is the president of the nonprofit Center for Health, Ethics and Social Policy and a former president of Catholics for Choice.

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To the Point

Pope Francis Expands Forgiveness for the "Sin of Abortion"

Pope Francis says priests can forgive women who've had abortions, considered a grave sin by the Catholic Church. Over the next Holy Year, women who repent and confess can be absolved by any ordained priest. Reformers within the church see this as an olive branch in the divisive debate over abortion.

Share

To the Point

Pope Francis Expands Forgiveness for the "Sin of Abortion"

Pope Francis says priests can forgive women who've had abortions, considered a grave sin by the Catholic Church. Over the next Holy Year, women who repent and confess can be absolved by any ordained priest. Reformers within the church see this as an olive branch in the divisive debate over abortion.

Share