​Statement of Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, on Pope Francis’ message on abortion and forgi

Statement of Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, on Pope Francis’ message on abortion and forgiveness

The declaration by Pope Francis that all priests can forgive the sin of abortion is significant. This coincides with the pope’s declaration of a Year of Mercy and calls all Catholics to reflect on mercy and forgiveness in a world suffering hatred, violence and division. The Holy Father has made this announcement to bring people back into the church once again.

In the Archdiocese of San Antonio and across the United States, priests in good standing have already been forgiving the sin of abortion. The power to forgive sins granted priests is called the “faculty” to forgive. Now, priests worldwide will have that discretion.

The message of Pope Francis is that the church is one of forgiveness and mercy, and we shouldn’t be putting obstacles to the mercy of God. We don’t withhold God’s mercy from anyone. The Year of Mercy was officially announced by Pope Francis on April 11, 2015. It will begin on Dec. 8, 2015 and extend to Nov. 20, 2016. I know that the priests of our archdiocese will continue to welcome all those who wish to receive God’s forgiveness and continue on their path of conversion.