I'm uncomfortable with the idea that 'excommunicating' someone (i.e. not letting them have communion) is ever a sensible punishment. It's when I'm most sinful that I need communion most, and it's very effective at putting me back on the right track. I wish the Roman Catholic church could find another way of expressing that it disagrees with an individual's or group's opinions.


Lifting their excommunication without any remorse on their side gives the impression of condoning their original action.

It could also give the impression that the Pope is becoming more willing to tolerate a wider variety of viewpoints, which would probably be a good thing for the trouser fans. No idea which (if either) is closest to the truth.

Linking forgiveness to remorse isn't really a very Christian concept, I don't think.