He's not one to talk about abortion every day

Pope blasts abortion after decrying focus on rules, reports Nicole Winfield of the Associated Press on Friday's papal audience with Catholic gynecologists.

"It came a day after he was quoted as blasting the church's obsession with 'small-minded rules' that are driving the faithful away. In an interview that has sent shockwaves through the church, Francis urged its pastors to focus on being merciful and welcoming rather than insisting only on such divisive, hot-button issues as abortion, gay marriage and contraception."

At Friday's audience,

"In his comments, Francis denounced today's 'throw-away culture' that justifies disposing of lives, and said doctors in particular had been forced into situations where they are called to 'not respect life.' ...

"He urged the gynecologists to abide by their consciences and help bring lives into the world."

Here's the Catholic News Service report on the Friday audience.

(via Badger Catholic Twitter feed)