Pope Francis has allowed priests the "discretion to absolve the sin of abortion," the Vatican announced on Tuesday. In the Catholic Church, abortion is a serious sin and those that procure or perform it are automatically excommunicated. However, in the upcoming Holy Year, Francis will allow priests — and not just missionaries or the chief confessor of a diocese, as per traditional Church teachings — to consider absolving individuals who, "with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for it." "I am well aware of the pressure that has led [women] to this decision.