For the first time, Roman Catholic priests will be able to forgive women who have had an abortion.

All clerics will be given the discretion to, as part of a special Holy Year from December.

Terminating a pregnancy is usually considered so serious that those who do it - or perform the procedure - are automatically thrown out of the church.

These visitors to the Vatican think relaxing the rules, even temporarily, is a good idea:

In a letter explaining the decision, Pope Francis wrote, "I think... 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.

"I have met so many women who bear in their heart the scar of this agonizing and painful decision. What has happened is profoundly unjust; yet only understanding the truth of it can enable one not to lose hope".

Priests will be granted 'the discretion to absolve the sin' during the Jubilee Year - which runs from 8th December 2015 to 26th November 2016. 

Pope Francis added, "may priests fulfil this great task by expressing words of genuine welcome combined with a reflection that explains the gravity of the sin committed, besides indicating a path of authentic conversion by which to obtain the true and generous forgiveness of the Father who renews all with his presence".