BBC:
Pope Francis is making it easier for women and doctors to seek forgiveness for abortion, by allowing all priests to forgive it.
In Catholicism, abortion is viewed as such a grave sin that it can punished with excommunication.
In most countries, only a bishop can approve forgiveness for abortion. They would then delegate an expert priest to hear the confession.
The change is only for the coming Jubilee Year, beginning in December.
However, the rule relaxation will not affect Catholics in England, Wales and Scotland as all priests there can already forgive abortion without seeking permission from a bishop.
Categories: Europe and Australia, Pope, Religion, Women