Pope Francis grants Catholic priests the right to forgive women who have had abortions

Pope Francis has called on catholic priests to pardon women who have abortions and the doctors who perform them, during the upcoming Jubilee year. The Pope's statement overrules the Catholic Church's doctrine which frowns strongly against abortion.

In a message outlining special measures for the Jubilee year starting in December, Pope Francis said
"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.