Canonist explains: No, sins not forgiven via Twitter
July 19, 2013
This week dozens of secular media outlets have carried headline stories suggesting that Pope Francis has offered indulgences, or even the forgiveness of sins, to those who follow his Twitter account.
Those stories are, of course, thoroughly inaccurate. (CWN carried an accurate story about the indulgences when they were announced in a decree on July 9.)
To counteract the impact of the inaccurate media accounts, the Catholic News Agency carries an explanation by J.D. Flynn, a canon lawyer and assistant to Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska, on what indulgences really involve.
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Further information:
- Indulgences not a 'magical formula,' canon lawyer explains (CNA)
- Pope grants plenary indulgence for World Youth Day participants (CWN, 7/9)
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