Local priest imbued with papal powers during Jubilee Year

A Montgomery County priest is among a select group of pastors who can now absolve sins that normally can only be forgiven by the pope.

Rev. Monsignor George A. Majoros, the parochial vicar of Sacred Heart Parish in Bridgeport, was commissioned as a "missionary of mercy" for Pope Francis' jubilee year of mercy.

He is among about 1,000 priests from around the world who were given the authority to absolve sins normally "reserved to the Holy See."

They include offenses like abortion, violence against the pope, or a priest who violates the secrecy of confession. Such offenses carry the penalty of automatic excommunication.

The special missionaries are to preach about God's mercy and hear confessions throughout the jubilee year, which ends Nov. 20.

Majoros will serve as a missionary for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and other bishops can also invite him to their dioceses.

Majoros, who was ordained in May 1979, has served in several parishes throughout Philadelphia and its suburbs, the archdiocese said.