Pope Francis celebrates mass in Santa Marta at the Vatican on Sept. 1, 2015.(Photo: AFP/Getty Images)

Priests will be given the authority to forgive the "sin" of abortion for women who are contrite, Pope Francis said Tuesday as he continued his campaign for inclusion in the Roman Catholic Church.

The pope, in a letter published Tuesday by the Vatican, said priests will be granted the power during a special "Holy Year of Mercy" that begins in December.

"I have decided, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, to concede to all priests for the Jubilee Year the discretion to absolve of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who, with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for it," the pope said.

The church considers abortion a serious sin, and church leaders historically have been outspoken against the practice. Priests normally need a bishop's approval to grant absolution for abortion. The pope acknowledged society's lack of "social sensitivity to welcome new life." But he says some women don't comprehend the implication of terminating a pregnancy and believe they have no other option.

Pope Francis also alluded to the power of God's forgiveness when people are truly sorry for what the church views as their mistakes.

"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," Pope Francis said. "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."

Photos: Memorable quotes from Pope Francis

The abortion decision is the latest in a series of efforts from the pope to focus on inclusion. Last month, Pope Francis issued a call for the church to embrace Catholics who have divorced and remarried, saying such couples "always belong to the church." And in March he affirmed his opposition to same-sex marriage, but said the church could tolerate some forms of same-sex civil unions.

Father Thomas Rosica, an aide in the Vatican press office, emphasized that the pope's statement does not condone abortion nor minimize its impact. He noted that many bishops have granted priests permission to forgive the sin.

"That people come to confession today to confess abortion and other grave sins is cause for us in the Church to thank God," Rosica said.

Pope Francis announced in March plans for the Holy Year, which begins with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8 and will run through Nov. 20, 2016. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the church's Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, said the focus of the Holy Year will be to follow the example of God, who asks Catholics not to judge or condemn but to forgive and to love.

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