abortion

Pope Says ‘Contrite’ Women May Be Forgiven for Having Abortions

Photo: Andrea Franceschini/Corbis

In a letter published Tuesday by the Vatican, the Pope said that he will give priests the power to absolve women of the sin of having an abortion, as long as they are contrite. (No word on how said contrition will be measured.)

I have met so many women who bear in their heart the scar of this agonizing and painful decision,” he wrote in the letter. “What has happened is profoundly unjust; yet only understanding the truth of it can enable one not to lose hope.”

The absolutions will only take place during the Holy Year of Mercy, which begins in December: It’s kind of like your birthday, but it lasts for a whole year and instead of getting presents you get spiritually pardoned for having premarital sex. Happy birthday to you.

Pope: Women to Be Forgiven for Having Abortions