Pope has Given Priests the Power to Forgive Women Who have had an Abortion

• 11.21.2016, 21:45
•  World,  No-politics

Pope Francis has given all priests the power to forgive women who have had an abortion, saying the procedure was a "grave sin" but one that God’s mercy could wipe away for those with a repentant heart, The Guardian reports.

"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," Pope said.

Francis first opened the door for women who have had an abortion to be absolved by priests last year, in what was supposed to be a temporary measure during the year of mercy.