On December 8th, when this Holy Door opens in St. Peter's Basilica, the Jubilee Year of Mercy will officially begin. Pope Francis has called on everyone to reflect, pray, ask for forgiveness and to forgive.
In fact, during this period, which will run until November 20th, 2016, the Pope is granting all priests permission to absolve the sin of abortion when women confess this sin and show true remorse. Up until now, only bishops had the authority to absolve this sin, along with some priests who had prior permission to do so.
MSGR. RINO FISICHELLA
Jubilee Year of Mercy
'Currently, many people see abortion as something superficial, without recognizing the gravity of it. They don't see the drama that revolves around the action, the woman and the medical team. The Pope is turning his attention to this.â?
Msgr. Rino Fisichella, is organizing the logistics in the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Just a few years back, he led the Pontifical Academy for Life. He says the Pope's decision is not meant to diminish the seriousness of abortion.
MSGR. RINO FISICHELLA
Jubilee Year of Mercy
'The Pope's action highlights that the sinner needs mercy. The sinner needs to recognize his or her capacity to start anew through the power of grace. That's how, this painful experience, can give way to renovation and to show the importance of life.â?
It's not only women who can be absolved of this sin. During the Year of Mercy, those who took part indirectly in an abortion, be it the woman's partner or medical team, can also be forgiven. This, if they reach out to a priest and embrace the Sacrament or Reconciliation.
MSGR. RINO FISICHELLA
Jubilee Year of Mercy
'When an abortion is carried out, the only way to overcome it, is through support. A support system that includes forgiveness, the need to start anew and above everything else of love. Love and mercy.â?
It's one of the pillars of Pope Francis' pontificate. From the very start, he's called on the Church to go out and reach out to people, and to lead them to an encounter with God. Through this measure, he's hoping to reach out to those who are remorseful for their abortion and seek forgiveness.
JMB/KLH
AA
JM
- PR
Up: KLH
