Pope Francis Reveals Major Change in How Catholic Church Will Handle 'Sin of Abortion'

Pope Francis is once again making headlines after implementing a temporary policy change that will help post-abortive women more readily find forgiveness within the Catholic Church.

Under the new directive, women who have had an abortion and those who have assisted them can be forgiven by all priests so long as they confess to their actions. This marks a notable change, considering that excommunication was automatic for the "sin of abortion."

Now, women will no longer be required to get a bishop's permission before they are eligible to have an excommunication lifted, CNN reported.

But before people assume that there's been a major theological shift on the issue, consider that the Catholic Church clarified in a statement that abortion is still viewed as a sin.

Pope Francis waves to well-wishers upon arrival from Sri Lanka, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015 at suburban Pasay city, south of Manila, Philippines. (AP/Bullit Marquez)

"Forgiveness of the sin of abortion does not condone abortion nor minimize its grave effects. The newness is clearly Pope Francis' pastoral approach," a statement from the church read. "That people come to confession today to confess abortion and other grave sins is cause for us in the Church to thank God and to put into practice the mission of the good and merciful shepherd who came to seek out those who were lost."

The pontiff's announcement makes it easier for women seeking forgiveness for abortion to do so through a priest, rather than being compelled to enter a complex system that involves bishops, priests and experts.

The policy change is only temporary, though, as it applies to the Holy Year, known as Holy Year of Mercy, that runs from Dec. 8, 2015 through Nov. 20, 2016, CNN reported.

"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," Pope Francis said.

This new system for the remission of abortion sins will be possible during the upcoming Jubilee Year — a time period during which certain sins can be forgiven.

Jubilee Years have unfolded in the Catholic faith every 25 to 50 years since the year 1,300, according to the National Catholic Reporter. 

(H/T: CNN)