Pope Says Women Who've Had Abortions Can Be Pardoned

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Pope Francis made a surprising announcement Tuesday, just weeks before his historic trip to the U.S. and Cuba.

Pope Francis said women who've committed one of the church's gravest sins -having an abortion - may now be forgiven by their local priest.

It's the latest move by a pope who seems determined to broaden the appeal of the church's teachings.

Traditionally, Catholic women who have had an abortion are automatically ex-communicated - thrown out of the church - unless forgiven by a bishop.

Now, the pope says even parish priests should be able to grant that forgiveness, as long as the woman shows she's sorry.

Abortion is still a sin according to the Catholic Church but the pope says this new policy is aimed at women who ended a pregnancy thinking that they had no other option.

In a statement, the pope said, "I think in particular of all the women who have resorted to abortion. I am well aware of the pressure that has led them to this decision."

"It's for gift to every priest and it's a gift to every person who has suffered this way, a blessing," said Father Anthony Figuereido.

Technically, the new policy is to last for only one year, during the church's year of mercy, starting this November but there is the possibility it could become permanent.

"I think it's the first step. Of course, if you do it for one year, I think eventually it will stay forever," said Catholic Joaquin Berezcurel.

"It's very progressive. It warms my heart that we can be forgiven," said Catholic Anna Reno.

While not changing any church doctrine, Pope Francis has shown a willingness to alter the tone of the church's teachings on homosexuality, when he said "who am I to judge" people who are gay.

As for divorce, he says Catholics who divorce and remarry without an annulment should be welcomed into the church.

Polls show U.S. Catholics split on the question of abortion, with 51 percent of them saying abortion should be legal in all or most cases.  Forty-five percent said it should be illegal all or most of the time.

The timing of Tuesday's announcement comes before his trip to North America. It's sure to stir up more debate on whether Pope Francis is steering the church too far away from traditional Catholic doctrine.

A Gallup poll earlier this summer showed the pope's favorability ratings among Americans is down considerably.

Only 59 percent of Americans said they have a favorable view of Pope Francis, compared to 76 percent in February last year.

The biggest drop was among political conservatives, whose opinion of the pope fell 27 percentage points - to only 45-percent approval - meaning those who are skeptical of the pope's messages will be listening very closely to what he has to say when he travels to our part of the world later this month.

CBS4's Rick Folbaum is headed to Cuba later this month to cover Pope Francis' pilgrimage to the island nation. His live reports will start September 18th