Pope Francis extends Catholic priests' right to forgive abortion

[brooklynite]

Source: CNN

Pope Francis has extended the powers of Catholic priests to forgive abortions, making the announcement in an apostolic letter released Monday.

It continues a special dispensation granted last year for duration of the Year of Mercy, which finished Sunday.

The letter states: "I wish to restate as firmly as I can that abortion is a grave sin, since it puts an end to an innocent life. In the same way, however, I can and must state that there is no sin that God's mercy cannot reach and wipe away when it finds a repentant heart seeking to be reconciled with the Father."

"May every priest, therefore, be a guide, support and comfort to penitents on this journey of special reconciliation," the letter continues.

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/21/europe/pope-francis-absolve-abortion/index.html

[DURHAM D]

1. How big of them.

Pampered mostly old white men who wear dresses judging women.

Screw them.

[BlueMTexpat]

2. 1! eom

[Stuckinthebush]

3. Funny, I thought the same thing

How nice of those men who say they speak for their deity. I'm so glad they are kind enough to forgive the women folk in the name of their sky god.

jeez.

[uppityperson]

4. While I agree, I am still glad he did this as it will help those who feel guilty

[riversedge]

6. Being raised Catholic--there is always

that shadow of guilt of sin--even after years of being 'liberal'. I know many will welcome this gesture by the Pope.

[TygrBright]

5. This is a much bigger deal, theologically, than non-Catholics might imagine. n/t

[kydo]

7. yeppers

The only thing I am regretting right now is that I have taken a two week vacation from my basically full time volunteer position at a Catholic Church. I didn't want to get arrested for assault so until the urge to punch my fellow parishioners in the face waned, I took vacation.

Anyway, the only draw back is I can't be there to remind them Hillary's lead keeps growing. Even the Pope likes her.

To bad you (as in them) ignored the Pope's call for action on climate change yet voted for a person that thinks climate change is a hoax.

And now the best thing, you can be forgiven for abortion.

You are not going to hell for having one. All my parishioners collective heads are either exploding or denying the Pope said that. Generally they argue the press twists his words and he either didn't say it like that or we are reading what we want from it. Of course on climate change they also offer this excuse to ignore the Pope. He should stay out of politics.

No really they are that crazy. So much so my 2 week vacation might be forever. I am in a red seminole county FL. Looking to get out, head west, then see if I can leave this God for saken country before it burns down and there is no escape. I will get involved in another parish when I move to my new place, where ever that might be.

[Skittles]

8. yes

always news when the church treats women as if they freaking MATTER