Pope Francis temporarily to reduce his church’s penalty for abortion. Why is he coming to the USA this month?

Pope Francis is offering a way and time for those who had abortions to more easily be reconciled to the Church of Rome:

September 1, 2015

Pope Francis has made it easier for women who’ve had abortions to be granted absolution during confession. The pontiff decreed that during the Jubilee year of Mercy starting December 8, any priest anywhere in the world can forgive the sin.The church considers abortion a particularly grave sin; a “reserved sin,”…

Reserved sins carry automatic excommunication, which means that the person is banned from all Catholic sacraments, including the sacrament of penance (confession). …

If a woman (or an accomplice) confesses the abortion, an ordinary priest is not allowed to grant absolution, but has to ask the local bishop for permission.

But for the specific period of the Jubilee year — December 8, 2015 to November 20, 2016 — the pope has removed that extra step, giving each priest around the world the faculty to grant absolution for abortion.

“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. I know that it is an existential and moral ordeal,” Francis said in a letter to Archbishop Rino Fisichella, head of Jubilee initiatives.

“I have met so many women who bear in their heart the scar of this agonizing and painful decision,” said the pope.

In May, the Vatican took the first step in this direction, announcing the creation of a special team of priests for the Jubilee called “missionaries of mercy,” who would be granted the faculty to absolve the sin of abortion. But Tuesday’s announcement goes further, making the absolution universally available.

“I think this is big and very positive news,” said theologian Fr. Robert Dodaro, president of the Patristic Institute Augustinianum in Rome. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/pope-francis-to-allow-all-priests-to-absolve-abortion-sin-for-jubilee-year/

Many in the pro-abortion media are hailing this announcement. Of course, even according to Roman Catholic sources, the ‘sacrament’ of auricular confession was not part of early Christianity, but was a later change that the Church of Rome adopted. For details, see the documented article History of Auricular Confession and the ‘Sacrament of Confession’.

As far as ‘reserved sins’ go, that is not a biblical concept. The Bible does tell about the ‘unpardonable sin,’ and even though abortion is wrong (see Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose), it is not the unpardonable sin (see What is the Unpardonable Sin?).

Now Francis is not the first ‘Bishop of Rome’ to make provisions for those with abortions. Roman Bishop Callistus allowed abortions and was condemned by the Catholic saint and Bishop of Rome Hippolytus in the third century. Other pontiffs allowed abortion as well (see Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose). When US Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi was asked once how she reconciled her pro-abortion position with being Roman Catholic, she mentioned that her church had sometimes sanctioned abortion, which it has. So, Pope Francis’ declaration is consistent with some of his predecessors.

I suspect part of why Pope Francis made the announcement was to get more interest in his Marian Jubilee year. But there are probably other reasons. Much of what he does is to promote his ecumenical and interfaith agendas, and since many around the world have had abortions, he is sending out a signal that his church is becoming more accepting of them. Pope Francis may also hoped to boost his popularity among some in the media in anticipation of his upcoming trip to the USA and United Nations this month.

Speaking of his upcoming trip, Mike Gendron’s newsletter came out today and had the following:

Pope Francis will attempt to reverse the downward spiral of his approval rating when he comes to America later this month. Only 59% of American Catholics have a favorable view of the pope compared to 76% in February 2014. Many Americans disapprove of his attempt to radically reform the global economy with his socialistic agenda.

The pope will meet with President Obama at the White House on Sept. 23. The next day, the pope will become the first pope ever to address the United States Congress. A spokesman for the pope said, “Francis would have liked to enter the U.S. by crossing the border with Mexico to make a point about welcoming immigrants, not building walls to keep them out.” The following day, the pope will address the United Nations General Assembly. He will push for a global government and global religion to manage his sustainable development agenda and to control the world’s ecology, economics, and culture. Then he is off to Philadelphia, where he may create more excitement than the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The budget for the papal visit is $45 million, and the mayor anticipates an attendance of approximately 1.5 million people, which is double the city’s population.

Mike’s Comment: We all need to be become more aware of this Jesuit pope’s agenda. He is aggressively pushing for the unity of all religions under the power and authority of the papacy. Since all the religions, except biblical Christianity, have the same DNA…his strategy does not have much opposition. As Pope Francis meets with the world’s political leaders, it is easy to see how a global religion and global government will unite under a False Prophet and AntiChrist.

Pope Francis wants to bring people together in a type of one world religion–a formation of the end time Babylon that the Bible warns about in Revelation 17 and 18. He and certain other major political figures believe that getting religious agreement is the way to peace. Pope Francis shares a lot of the agenda of the United Nations and US President Barack Obama. Not only on matters of global theology, but on economic, immigration, and climate matters.

The time will come when there is more international cooperation that will lead to a temporal peace deal in the Middle East (Daniel 9:27; see also The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27). But this will not last (Daniel 9:27; 11:31) and will lead to persecution of the faithful (Daniel 11:30-35), the rise of false religion (Daniel 11:36-38), the destruction of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies (Daniel 11:39), the destruction of a confederation in the Middle East and North Africa (Daniel 11:40-43), Armageddon (Revelation 16:16), and war between Europe and Eurasian forces (Daniel 11:44; Jeremiah 50:41-43) led by Russia (Jeremiah 50:41).

Later this month, Pope Francis is expected to make speeches that encourage his agenda for the world–an agenda that will not end well for his church (Revelation 17:15-18) or for the world (Revelation 18).

Some have indicated that the ‘man of sin’ will be set up this month to fulfill the prophecies in 2 Thessalonians 2–but that is not the case. Also, Pope Francis is NOT the man of sin (see also Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2?).

That being said, since 2013 I have posted that if Pope Francis is not the final Antichrist, he certainly is setting the stage for the one who will be.

His statements this month are expected to help set the stage for the coming final time of Babylon that the Bible warns against.

Some items of related interest may include:

The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Kindle This electronic version of a new 186 page book (in the print version). And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Kindle.
The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? What does the Bible say about a pope near this time? Is the final pope to be an antipope and antichrist? Does Catholic prophecy point to Pope Francis as being the dreaded “Peter the Roma”? This 186 page book provides information and answers. This book is available for USD$9.98 in printed form The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis.
Satan’s Plan Does Satan have a plan? What is it? Has it already been successful? Will it be successful in the future? Here are links to a two-part sermon series: What are Some of the Parts of Satan’s Plan? and Satan’s Plan is More Dramatic than Many Realize.
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet.” Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy. You can also watch a video titled What Does the Bible teach about the Antichrist?
The Malachy Prophecies and “Peter the Roman” An Irish bishop allegedly predicted something about 112 popes in the 12th century. Pope Benedict XVI was number 111. Francis would seem to be number 112–if he is that one–and if so, he is to reign until Rome is destroyed. May he be an antipope/final Antichrist?
Will You Be Deceived by Antichrist? 1964 article by David Jon Hill, originally published in the old Good News magazine.
Could Pope Francis be the Last Pope and Antichrist? According to some interpretations of the prophecies of the popes by the Catholic saint and Bishop Malachy, Pope Francis I is in the position of “Peter the Roman,” the pontiff who reigns during tribulations until around the time of the destruction of Rome. Do biblical prophecies warn of someone that sounds like Peter the Roman? Could Francis I be the heretical antipope of Catholic private prophecies and the final Antichrist of Bible prophecy? This is a YouTube video.
History of Auricular Confession and the ‘Sacrament of Confession’ Did early Christians confess their sins to priests?
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer. There is also a YouTube video sermon you can watch: The Coming Persecution of the Church.
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. [Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja do deus?]
Do You Know That Babylon is Forming? How is the final Babylon forming? Are Protestants such as Joel Osteen and Kenneth Copeland are endorsing something dangerous? Could Pope Francis be the ‘False Prophet’ that the Bible warns against? Is an antipope expected to endorse a one-world religion? Here is a link to a related written article In Vatican City: New Babylon more openly forming!
Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good? Here is a link to a related video Should you be concerned about the ecumenical movement?
Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction? Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against? A video sermon of related interest is: Will the Interfaith Movement lead to World War III? and a video sermon is also available: Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics Unity between these groups will put them in position to be part of the final end time Babylon that the Bible warns against as well as require improper compromise.
“Pope” Callistus (217-222) He is the first bishop known to have been a criminal prior to his election. He was also accused of a variety of corrupt acts, including allowing indulgences and infanticide (abortion).
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the real Church of God? Some may also, or instead, wish to view the YouTube video Abortion, the Bible, and US Debt.
What is the Unpardonable Sin? What is it? Can you repent of it? Do you know what it is and how to avoid it? Here is a link to a related sermon video The Unpardonable Sin and the Prodigal Son.
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer. There is also a YouTube video sermon you can watch: The Coming Persecution of the Church. Here is information in the Spanish language: Persecuciones de la Iglesia y el Estado.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2? Is this the King of the North, the ten-horned beast of Revelation 13:1-11, or the two-horned Beast of Revelation 13:12-16? Some rely on traditions, but what does the Bible teach? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Quién es el Hombre de Pecado de 2 Tesalonicenses 2? Here is a version in Mandarin: 主编：谁是’大罪人’？Here is a link to a related YouTube video, in English, titled Who is the Man of Sin?
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet.” Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy. You can also watch a video titled What Does the Bible teach about the Antichrist?