Madrid, Spain, Aug 20, 2011 / 15:51 pm
New York Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan has applauded the Madrid archdiocese's decision to authorize all priests at World Youth Day to forgive abortion, a task normally reserved for the local bishop.
“At special times like this the Church bends over backwards to say ‘Alleluia, your sins are forgiven; go in peace, there is no limit to God’s mercy,’” he told CNA on Aug. 19.
“Not bad if you ask me,” he enthused. “Alleluia!”
Church regulations, known as canon law, require that “certain particularly grave sins” – including cooperation in an abortion – can only be absolved “by the Pope, the bishop of the place or priests authorized by them.”