How do people confess abortion?

[AdamP88]

Do people still have to confess abortion to their bishop or has that changed?
Not my issue, just wondering

Thanks in advance.

I think in moderntimes, sadly, abortion has become so widespread that most Bishops have allowed their priests to absolve it.

 

[Gorgias]

True. Besides, in this topic it is now kind of a moot point since Pope Francis has given all priests the faculties to absolve the sin of abortion, just as they have the faculties to absolve the sin of murdering an adult–is that correct?

I think in moderntimes, sadly, abortion has become so widespread that most Bishops have allowed their priests to absolve it.

No, that’s not correct. Confessors have always had the faculties to absolve the sin of abortion. What was not delegated to them in all cases was the authority to lift the penalty of excommunication. In the past, it was often necessary for the priest to contact the bishop, ask that the penalty be lifted, and then later communicate that fact to the penitent. (In the U.S. and in many other places, bishops had already delegated that authority to priest confessors.)

What Pope Francis did was unilaterally delegate this authority to lift the penalty of excommunication to all confessors.

And, I’m just curious… how in the world did this topic stay open for two months and not get automatically closed for inactivity? (Apparently, the latae sententiae closure of threads was lifted for this one…! )

 

[Kima]

True. Besides, in this topic it is now kind of a moot point since Pope Francis has given all priests the faculties to absolve the sin of abortion, just as they have the faculties to absolve the sin of murdering an adult–is that correct?

I believe that was only through the year of mercy??

 

[PetraG]

Not accusing you Kima, but a few of the posts on this thread appear that some would rather not have confession and mercy available to penitents involved in an abortion.

I think you’re right. As with the Church’s original concern, it is probable that they’re concerned that this is a taking of life that can be done clandestinely and that a ready availability of absolution and return to the sacraments might lead to the action being taken lightly. That’s a legitimate concern. As you imply, however, the thinking was that those who repent and would like to confess are more likely to be deterred from confession than deterred from the offense if the process of confessing and returning to communion with the Church seems too daunting.

 

[BearingCross]

My explanation: they’ve already been chewed and spat out by the local criminal justice system, which has prosecuted them forvmurder. Or is it time to stop thinking globally???