Pope Extends Jubilee Mandate on Abortion, SSPX Confession
Catholic News Agency reports that Pope Francis decided that all priests can continue to absolve the sin of abortion, a commitment he made in his recent apostolic letter, “Misericordia et Misera.” He also recognized priests of the Society of St. Pius X as individuals who can hear confessions and forgive sins. The two changes had been temporarily implemented for the Jubilee of Mercy, but the pope’s letter extends the changes beyond the year. Pope Francis said, “Mercy is inclusive and tends to expand in a way that knows no limits. Hence we are called to give new expression to the traditional works of mercy.”