I’m sure women who have had an abortion are just running to the confessional. The pope’s concept is dumb.
You would be very surprised then to find out that the pro-life movement is filled with women who have had abortions. Or that the many crisis pregnancy centers around the country have on their staffs women who have had abortions and are now working to keep that from happening to other women & unborn babies. Or that these centers have programs to help women, girls, and the husbands and boyfriends who have experienced or participated in the deaths of their children deal with their guilt and seek God's forgiveness. It is not a small thing to participate in the death of ones child. The conscience that God gives each of us does not disappear when one has an abortion. It may be hardened. There are indeed women who are cruel and heartless. They see their unborn children as garbage to be thrown away. But most women and girls know that what they are doing is wrong. That the life within them does not become a human life only if they want it. The pope's concept of forgiveness from abortion is Biblical. God forgives even that. But as for a priest being able to dispense forgiveness? That is the work of God alone.
Many women who have killed their children do seek forgiveness and peace, they are aware of the enormity of their sin before God and humbly desire reconciliation with Him. They suffer greatly for their actions but Our Lord is Merciful to those who seek Him.