The Secret of Confession: Can a Priest Repeat What You Say?
The seal of confession is an essential aspect of the sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as the sacramental seal. Some Catholics may wonder whether a priest can repeat what was said in confession or reveal its contents outside the sacrament. This concern can sometimes hinder the process of confession and reconciliation, out of fear that what was said might be passed on to others or leave the confines of the sacrament. However, the Catholic Church is very clear: everything said in confession is protected by absolute secrecy, known as the sacramental seal, or more broadly, the seal of confession. Discover with Hozana what you need to know about the seal of confession.
What is the secrecy of confession?
When a penitent goes to confession, the priest is bound by the secrecy of confession, also known as the sacramental seal. This means that he is absolutely forbidden from revealing what he has heard, under any circumstances.
Therefore, under no circumstances may he discuss or reveal the contents of the confession:
to your family,
to your friends,
to another priest or any outside authority,
nor use it against you later.
The seal of confession is therefore total, absolute, and inviolable according to the law of the Catholic Church.
Why is the seal of confession absolute?
The seal of confession is absolute, just as God’s mercy is absolute.
A penitent can never be denounced or identified based on what was heard in confession, since what he confides in the sacrament of Reconciliation does not belong to the priest (confessor), but to God, explains Father Thomas Poussier, author of the book Le Secret de confession (The Secret of Confession), published by Salvator.
The seal of confession therefore belongs to God; the priest has no authority over it, adds Father Poussier.
What are the consequences for a priest who violates the seal of confession?
If a priest violates the seal of confession, he incurs excommunication according to the Code of Canon Law:
“A confessor who directly violates the sacramental seal incurs a latae sententiae excommunication reserved to the Apostolic See; he who does so only indirectly is to be punished according to the gravity of the offence.” (Can. 1386— § 1)
The Code of Canon Law adds that “The sacramental seal is inviolable; therefore it is absolutely forbidden for a confessor to betray in any way a penitent in words or in any manner and for any reason.” (Canon 983 §1)
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, in paragraph 1467, specifies: “the Church declares that every priest who hears confessions is bound under very severe penalties to keep absolute secrecy regarding the sins that his penitents have confessed to him. He can make no use of knowledge that confession gives him about penitents' lives. (Cf. CIC, can. 1388 # 1; CCEO, can. 1456.) This secret, which admits of no exceptions, is called the 'sacramental seal,' because what the penitent has made known to the priest remains 'sealed' by the sacrament.” (No. 1467)
You can therefore go to confession with the certainty that what you say in confession will remain forever between God, the priest, and you.
Are there any exceptions to the seal of confession?
No, there are no exceptions. The seal of confession is absolutely binding, even in cases of grave sins or very serious crimes. The priest may not reveal anything disclosed during the sacrament of Reconciliation. However, the priest may invite the penitent to:
Turn themselves in to the appropriate authorities, if necessary
Make amends for the wrong committed
But the priest may never betray the secret.
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