WASHINGTON — Ahead of his visit to D.C. later this month, Pope Francis made an announcement regarding abortion forgiveness.
In a letter to church leadership, he announced an ease in the rules of forgiveness during the upcoming holy year, to include the absolution of abortion.
“He mentions that for the Jubilee Year, all priests will be able to forgive the sins of those who have been involved in the procurement of an abortion,” said Bishop Paul Loverde, who leads the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
He said while priests have always been able to forgive abortion to a woman seeking it, a second offense would have previously need higher approval.
“A priest would have to write to me — not with the person’s name of course — just say, ‘I need permission to forgive a second time or third time or fifth time.’ I’ve always given that permission,” Loverde said. “Oh my Lord, how do you not offer the forgiveness of God.”
The year of mercy begins Dec. 8.
