~!~ Historically the Catholic Church has punished women who have had an abortion with excommunication, unless a bishop approved forgiveness for what the church views as an extremely grave sin// http://ukcanadaus.blogspot.com/
~!~ Now, Pope Francis, who unlike his predecessors values his virtues of compassion and mercy as outclassing all others, has extended the power of forgiving abortion to all priests//
~!~ The change will only be in effect temporarily, however, during the coming Holy Year of Mercy, which runs from December 8, 2015 through November 20, 2016//
~!~ The change, whilst welcomed by many, is likely to cause upset amongst the Catholic Church*s traditionalists// The Vatican published a letter in which the pontiff explains the background and motivation behind his decision//
~!~ **I am well aware of the pressure that has led to this decision,** Pope Francis wrote, adding that many women **believe that they have no other option** and saying that he knows **that it is an existential and moral ordeal//**