Nevertheless, consistent themes shine through. One is the power of mercy. That was obvious in the Pope’s criticism of the death penalty. It was also apparent in his recent instruction that parish priests have the power to forgive someone who has had an abortion. Again, some conservatives leapt on that as if it was an attack upon them – they who had spent years outside Planned Parenthood clinics in the rain, sucking up the abuse of often violent liberals. But the Pope wasn’t being political, wasn’t trying to court the Left. He was trying to tell women who have had an abortion that there is a way back, that they can be forgiven and that they are loved. What better way to respond to pain and anger other than with understanding and healing? That’s not a rejection of the pro-life ethos. It’s an attempt to draw thousands back to the Eucharist.