In anticipation of his big United States visit, which includes stops in Washington D.C., New York City and Philadelphia, the Pope released big news that will shake up the Catholic Church. 

Pope Francis announced that he will be making changes to the Catholic Church's procedures for annulments.

According to Reuters, Pope Francis' reason for the big change is that he wants the church to be more merciful. The Catholic Church and its 1.2 billion members do not recognize divorce.

As explained in a document called "Motu Proprio" (By His Own Initiative), the changes will eliminate hurdles, streamlining the "procedures that many considered cumbersome, lengthy, outdated and expensive." Pope Francis also believes that annulments should be free.

According to NBC News, there are three main revisions to annulments for Catholics. The document eliminated the second review by a cleric before a marriage can be nullified. It gave bishops the ability to fast-track and grant the annulments themselves in certain circumstances. The process should be free, except for a nominal fee for administrative costs, and should be completed within 45 days.

    Some considered this move great, considering that the Catholic Church has been known for its strict rules. With this move, Pope Francis opens up the door for more potential changes in the future. According to a General Social Survey, 28 percent of marriages in the United States end in divorce.

    On Sept. 22, Pope Francis will visit Washington D.C., where he will give a speech to the Senate and House of Representatives. After his visit, he will head to New York City, where he will hold Mass at Madison Square Garden.

    For his last stop on this trip, he will visit Philadelphia, where he will have a papal Mass for the World Meeting of Families. He will depart from the United States on Sept. 27.