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Tuesday 1 September 2015

"Tragedy," "Unjust," "A Defeat," "Agonizing Decision"

Yes, yes, all of those, and women do experience and remember their abortions as an "existential and moral ordeal."
But as I expected, or at least feared, Pope Francis has not couched his beautiful gesture in language of a precision to forestall the distortion we know the enemies Enemy of life will attempt to disseminate.
Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour.
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 realising the extreme harm that such an act entails.
Many others, on the other hand, although experiencing this moment as a defeat, believe they 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 agonising 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 fulfil 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.
"Changed relationship with respect to life"?
Really?
And other priests provide "a reflection that explains the gravity of the sin committed," so we need never go into that?
I understand that in the extension of this [eternal] lifeline, it may not be the acceptable time to do so, but does he ever really go into it?
I wonder if this merciful gesture also offers accessories, purchasers and abortionists themselves a new path to absolution and the lifting of latae sententiae excommunications which were incurred through their "insensitive mentality"?

Well, God's ways are not my ways, and I would make a lousy pope, so what do I know?

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