In a message he addressed to Archbishop Rino Fisichela, president of the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization and head of Jubilee initiatives who has been named as responsible for celebrations marking the “Extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy”(which starts on December 8), Pope Francis dotted all the “i”s an crossed all the “t”s. The points he highlighted is that the Extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy is designed to contemplate the Almighty God’s mercy and seek genuine repentance through the sacrament of confession by entering the Holy Door in Rome’s four major basilicas and or in sanctuaries and the cathedrals of the various dioceses. It also involves conducting deeds reflecting mercy such as feeding the hungry, visiting prisoners and the sick, and others.
As for the issue of abortion, the Church up to this very moment views it as killing humans who cannot defend themselves. They are creatures in God’s own image that is why the Church excommunicates women who voluntarily undergo abortions as well as those who assist them in fulfilling this, including husbands, doctors and nurses. Up to this moment, the forgiveness of the abortion sin necessitates a special absolution by a diocesan bishop or a priest instructed by the bishop to do so.
Nowadays, marking the Jubilee Year, the absolution from the abortion sin is conducted within a confessional booth by a priest. This is designed to help these “mothers” crown their sincere repentance by being overwhelmed by the mercy of the Almighty God, and to continue their procession on the path of faith because God, as the Pope said, forgives the sins of every person who seeks reconciliation with the Father.
Furthermore, the Pope urged praying for the dead who await admission to the Kingdom of God, since prayers for them at Masses contribute to forgiveness of their sins.
Divine Mercy,
Jubilee throughout the year,
This certainty will be engraved in the hearts of the faithful, as the Pope reiterates,
The God Father never tires of being Merciful,
His mercy overwhelms all without exception.
