How absolute is the Seal of Confession for Catholic priests?
The sacramental seal of Confession is inviolable and absolute without any exception whatsoever (Canon 983). A priest can never reveal, directly or indirectly, by word, gesture, or any other manner, the sins confessed to him by a penitent, even under pain of death or civil imprisonment. Any priest who intentionally breaks this sacred seal incurs automatic excommunication (latae sententiae) reserved to the Holy See. This absolute guarantee allows penitents to lay bare their souls before Christ's mercy with total trust and peace.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1467
- Proverbs 11:13
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.