For Protestants who understand that forgiveness comes only directly from God, Catholicism's temporary granting of all priests to "absolve of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who, with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for it" seems an alien concept.

As does the thought that after the Year of Mercy is over, those women who have had abortions must not only live with an "unforgiveable" sin but face excommunication from the Church. That said, even for Catholic women who have already found forgiveness from God but struggle with forgiving themselves, or value the forgiveness of the Church, this news is huge.

According to an ibusinesswire.net press release by Francis X. Rocca, "Under church law, anyone who willingly participates in an abortion–including the pregnant woman, the abortionist and anyone who assists in the process–incurs automatic excommunication, which normally can only be lifted by the local bishop."

In his letter, the pope expressed his compassion for women who have resorted to abortion saying, "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."

"One of the serious problems of our times," he added, "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. The forgiveness of God cannot be denied to one who has repented, especially when that person approaches [confession] with a sincere heart in order to obtain reconciliation with the Father."

The response by most Catholics appears to be overwhelming gratitude. Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, was quoted in Life News as saying: "All of us at Priests for Life, Rachel's Vineyard, and Silent No More welcome the letter… issued today, indicating his compassionate concern for those who have had abortions, and making it easier for them to obtain the absolution of a priest. This step does not mean that forgiveness wasn't available before. However, it simplifies the process outlined in Church law whereby, in certain circumstances, the priest needs to get authorization before giving absolution."

"In the Jubilee Year," he added, "priests will not need to delay that absolution, provided there is repentance. We welcome this concrete expression of the Church's eagerness to reconcile those who have had abortions. We who oppose abortion do not oppose those who have had abortions; rather, we welcome them with mercy and compassion. A very large part of our work at Priests for Life is to extend the urgent invitation to healing."

Whatever Protestants may think of the pope or Catholicism in general, as Christians we stand by those in repentance, hurting from their sin, who long to long to hear the word "forgiven" spoken over them as confirmation for what God has already done.

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