Pope Francis’ Sept. 1 announcement that priests worldwide will be able to absolve the sin of abortion will have little effect on pastoral practices in the U.S., where most priests already have such authority in the sacrament of reconciliation.
Pope Francis
Francis Simplifies the Annulment Process
Rewriting a section of the Latinrite Code of Canon Law and of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, Pope Francis said he’s not “promoting the nullity of marriages,” but a quicker, cheaper and much more pastoral process.
Pope Brings a Message of Peace
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, This week, we have commemorated the anniversary of the terrorist attack on America on Sept. 11, 2001. That day is etched in the memory of all people in the United States, most especially the people of the New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania metropolitan regions who experienced firsthand that terrible day in our history. We cannot erase from our memories the horrific recollections of that day. However, we can learn from those experiences that no matter how great was the tragedy which we experienced, the resiliency of our faith enables us to come back and to become stronger from such a terrible experience.
Allowing Truth to Guide Our Lives
Re-reading the cardinal’s book makes me feel as though I am on retreat or making days of recollection. I can only describe the book in superlatives. I feel as though, through Cardinal Kasper’s insights and comments, I have entered into Pope Francis’ mind.
Ticket Give-Away for Pope Francis Central Park Procession
On Sept. 25, Pope Francis will travel through part of Central Park, along the West Drive, and thousands of New York residents can apply for tickets to watch the pope’s procession.
Pope Asks For an End to Modern Martyrdoms
Pope Francis asked the international community to “put a stop to the violence and oppression” after calling attention once again to the fate of persecuted Christians.
There Is No ‘Typical’ Parish in the US
If Pope Francis were to have time on his U.S. visit in September to stop at “typical” parishes, it might take a week or two just to see a representative sample.
Expect Pope Francis to Affirm, Challenge Politicians
Flanked by Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker John Boehner – two high-profile Catholic politicians – the visual of Pope Francis’ Sept. 24 address to Congress will signal an evolving narrative.
New York Prepares For Francis
Since last week, New Yorkers and tourists in Midtown Manhattan have been gazing up at a smiling Pope Francis at one of New York’s busiest intersections. The 225-foot tall hand-painted billboard welcomes the pope, who will be in New York, Sept. 24-26.
Pope Will Allow Priests to Forgive Sin of Abortion
In an extraordinary gesture for the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis has extended to priests worldwide the authority to absolve women for the sin of abortion.