In preparation for the upcoming Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, Pope Francis recently issued a letter regarding forgiveness for the sin of abortion that has garnered much attention. On some levels it has raised a few questions, but those are pretty easily clarified. More importantly, the Holy Father’s benevolent words are generating a greater awareness about the healing Christ offers through His Church to those who seek it.
What exactly did Francis say? His very first paragraph demonstrates his fatherly heart. Abortion is one of several delicate issues he addresses, noting his desire that the celebration of the Holy Year “be for all believers a true moment of encounter with the mercy of God…a living experience of the closeness of the Father, whose tenderness is almost tangible, so that the faith of every believer may be strengthened and thus testimony to it be ever more effective.”
Among the issues addressed, the paragraph on abortion is particularly poignant:
One of the serious problems of our time is clearly the changed relationship with respect to life. A widespread and insensitive mentality has led to the loss of the proper personal and social sensitivity to welcome new life. The tragedy of abortion is experienced by some with a superficial awareness, as if not realizing the extreme harm that such an act entails. Many others, on the other hand, although experiencing this moment as a defeat, believe they have no other option. I think in particular of all the women who have resorted to abortion. I am well aware of the pressure that has led them to this decision. I know that it is an existential and moral ordeal. I have met so many women who bear in their heart the scar of this agonizing and painful decision. What has happened is profoundly unjust; yet only understanding the truth of it can enable one not to lose hope. The forgiveness of God cannot be denied to one who has repented, especially when that person approaches the Sacrament of Confession with a sincere heart in order to obtain reconciliation with the Father. For this reason too, I have decided, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, to concede to all priests for the Jubilee Year the discretion to absolve of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who, with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for it. May priests fulfill this great task by expressing words of genuine welcome combined with a reflection that explains the gravity of the sin committed, besides indicating a path of authentic conversion by which to obtain the true and generous forgiveness of the Father who renews all with his presence.
It is particularly striking how similar Pope Francis’s words are to those of St. John Paul II in Evangelium Vitae, paragraph 99. His words, too, have been bringing comfort and hope to those who suffer from a past abortion since he wrote them in 1995.
Both Pontiffs note the terrible ordeal of the abortion decision and the deep wound it leaves behind. They talk about facing the sin honestly and how humbly acknowledging the truth with a sincere and repentant heart opens the path to hope and healing; and, they invite those who have suffered the trauma of abortion to not be afraid to approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation to find the forgiveness and peace they so desperately desire.
Cardinal Sean O’Malley, chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, in a statement welcoming Pope Francis’ letter, clarified that, “For many years in the United States diocesan bishops have granted their priests the faculty to absolve the sin of abortion. As part of the outreach of the Year of Mercy, the Holy Father will now grant all priests worldwide the faculty ‘to absolve of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who, with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for it.’”
For decades, the Catholic Church has offered healing and reconciliation to women and men wounded by abortion through the ministry of Project Rachel. Those who are seeking these free, safe, and confidential services can locate their local diocese’s Project Rachel ministry through the “find help” section of the U.S. Bishops’ website www.hopeafterabortion.com. In most dioceses the Project Rachel ministry consists of priests, pastoral care workers, and counselors who have specialized training in post-abortion ministry. The most important part of this unique ministry is its centerpiece: the Sacrament of Reconciliation. While abortion can leave scars that affect many aspects of the human person – emotional, physical, psychological, etc. – it is important to recognize that ultimately the healing is a spiritual one. No matter what way the Lord leads the hurting to a place of wholeness, it is the role of the priest, particularly as he administers the Sacrament of Reconciliation in persona Christi, that is the key to Christ healing the wounded heart. It is here in the sacred mystery of the sacrament that the penitent experiences a true encounter with the mercy of God. And that is what Pope Francis’s message is intending to accomplish – an outreach of The Divine Mercy to those who seek it with a sincere heart.
As disciples of Christ who seek to share His message of mercy, there are practical things all of us can do. Simply knowing that Project Rachel exists is very helpful; if someone confides to us their story, we can assure them that forgiveness is indeed possible and encourage them to contact Project Rachel where they can receive the safe and confidential help they need. Parishes can include their diocese’s Project Rachel number in their bulletins or on their parish website. Most importantly, we can pray that all who seek God’s mercy may be drawn to the help and reconciliation their wounded hearts so desperately desire.
May the outpouring of grace through the Sacrament of Reconciliation both now and in the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy be a time consolation, hope, and healing – a true encounter with the mercy of the Redeemer.
Allison LeDoux is the director of the Respect Life Office and the Office of Marriage and Family for the Diocese of Worcester, MA. Mrs. LeDoux serves as coordinator for the New England region of Diocesan Pro-Life Directors and is a member of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference’s Pro-Life/Pro-Family and Health Care Subcommittees. She received her certification in Catholic Health Care Ethics from the National Catholic Bioethics Center in 2007.Mrs. LeDoux and her husband, John, a permanent deacon, are the parents of eight children.
- An Encounter with the Mercy of God
- The Medical and Moral Magnificence of Humanae Vitae
- We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident
- When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?
- Life is the Place Where God Manifests Himself: A Reflection on Evangelium Vitae
