See What Pope Francis Asked Catholic Priests to Do to Women Who Have Had Abortions

The Catholic Vatican, Pope Francis will grant all priests discretion to formally forgive women who have had abortions and seek absolution during the Roman Catholic Church's upcoming Holy Year.

 

His decision was revealed in a letter published by the Vatican today in what is the Argentine pontiff's latest move towards a more open and inclusive church. In the letter, Francis described the 'existential and moral ordeal' faced by women who have terminated pregnancies.

 

Daily Mail also reports that the pope also said he had 'met so many women who bear in their heart the scar of this agonizing and painful decision'.

 

The 78-year-old who has repeatedly urged the Church to show greater compassion, said priests should use 'words of genuine welcome'.

 

But said they must also make sure those involved were aware of 'the gravity of the sin committed'.