Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options
Thomas Rosica, C.S.B.September 01, 2015

Editors Note, Feb. 25, 2019: America has become aware that this article included extensive unattributed material from other sources. Accordingly, we have removed the text. For more material on this topic, read the original report from Catholic News Service, "Pope Francis For Year of Mercy, Pope Francis extends possibilities for absolution.”

A Feb. 22 story in the National Post of Canada documented multiple cases in which Father Rosica used material from other authors without providing proper citations. “What I’ve done is wrong, and I am sorry about that," Father Rosica told the Post.

Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.
Tim O'Leary
9 years 8 months ago
What a truly beautiful description of authentic reconciliation from St. JP II! Thanks for reminding us of his eloquence and sanctity. That Pope Francis would specifically identify this sin as one called out to be in need of the mercy of this year is a great reminder of how grave the sin is. But, I wonder if the Holy Father also intended, by not mentioning it, that this avenue of mercy has not been extended to those who have performed an abortion, or to those who have supported an abortion, either through money, providing logistic assistance or supporting pro-abortion groups with money or votes, etc.
Lisa Weber
8 years 5 months ago
This is a good article. I often wish the church would give more thought to preventing abortions by considering the factors that sway a woman toward the decision to have an abortion. We often act like abortion is an isolated decision by a sinful woman, when it is more often the final act in a long story. We will have difficulty taking more effective action to prevent abortion because we cannot even have a dialogue about the subject. One factor in our lack of dialogue is that women are not allowed to speak in the Church.

The latest from america

Working for the protection of people by safeguarding against the crime abuse is an integral expression of Christian faith. The successor of Pope Francis has the task of picking up where he left off and continuing resolutely. How can that be done?
Peter BeerMay 02, 2025
Francis always encouraged me in our attempt to move forward as an ecumenical community and in welcoming young people from different churches who come to Taizé from all over the world. He was the pope, but also a father and a brother to me.
Brother AloisMay 02, 2025
Pope Francis welcomed criticism—as long as it was not made behind his back.
Sebastian GomesMay 02, 2025
The cardinals have asked Catholics to pray for them and the conclave. What exactly should we be praying for? And should we be scandalized by the intermingling of politics and spirituality?
JesuiticalMay 02, 2025