Papal initiative to forgive abortion not a first

Priests who hold confessions during the XXVI World Youth Day in Madrid will be granted permission to forgive the sin of abortion and cancel the automatic excommunication that results. The initiative of the Archdiocese of Madrid, headed by Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, and supported by the decree of plenary indulgence for those who participate in one of the celebrations that will be held in Madrid during the mega-gathering that takes place in the Spanish capital from today Sunday.

The goal, according to a statement by the Archdiocese is that believers "can more easily reach the fruits of divine grace, which open the door for them to a new life", and will cover "the faithful who are truly repentant, by imposing a appropriate penance. "

This absolution can be obtained in one of the 200 confessionals installed in Buen Retiro park, in the initiative known as the "Fair of Forgiveness", during which two thousand priests will be involved in a 'marathon' confessional session in seven languages. Pope Benedict XVI will also attend this ceremony on Saturday, August 20 at 9 am. The forgiveness of abortion, according to canon law, is normally reserved for bishops.

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Cathcon- I understand that in the UK almost all dioceses provide faculties to priests to absolve the sin of abortion.   Can any of my readers provide feedback on the situation in the rest of the world/ individual countries?