Can a Priest hear the confession of a non-Catholic?

[SAVINGRACE]

Thank you all for your answers.

So basically: ‘no’ except if the Protestant is on their deathbed.

Does the above also apply to Orthodox? They can receive the Eucharist from our Priests, how about Reconciliation?

 

[Brendan]

Does the above also apply to Orthodox? They can receive the Eucharist from our Priests, how about Reconciliation?

Micosil answered that in post #6

 

[Gorgias]

Actually elect only refers to non baptized.

Whoops! Good catch – that should teach me to post at night!

The only ritual that baptized go through prior to confession is a “rite of acceptance” and even that May be is optional.

The point remains, though: at the time that catechumens become the ‘elect’, candidates (may) make a public profession before the bishop of their intention to enter into full communion with the Church and to complete their participation in the sacraments of initiation. Therefore, at the point that they go to confession, they’ve already created a distinction between themselves and others who call themselves by the name ‘Christian’ but have not been baptized in the Catholic Church.

 

[Jon_S_1]

Whoops! Good catch – that should teach me to post at night!

The point remains, though: at the time that catechumens become the ‘elect’, candidates (may) make a public profession before the bishop of their intention to enter into full communion with the Church and to complete their participation in the sacraments of initiation. Therefore, at the point that they go to confession, they’ve already created a distinction between themselves and others who call themselves by the name ‘Christian’ but have not been baptized in the Catholic Church.

Well they may make a profession…but aren’t required to.

 

[SAVINGRACE]

I’m assuming then that since it’s allowed that non-Catholics on their deathbed and wishing to confess be allowed then can the Last Rites also be performed on them?

 

[Gorgias]

I’m assuming then that since it’s allowed that non-Catholics on their deathbed and wishing to confess be allowed then can the Last Rites also be performed on them?

“Last Rites” is a blanket term used by Catholics to mean a sacramental visit by the priest which may include confession, the Anointing of the Sick, and the Eucharist.

Again, notice that “in danger of death” is a term that’s used in a particular way in canon law. It really doesn’t mean “on one’s deathbed.”

Here’s my question: what would it mean for a non-Catholic Christian to ask for the sacraments “in danger of death”? Would it mean that they truly believe in the sacraments? Would it mean that this is just some sort of superstitious gesture, in an attempt to “cover all the bases” before death?

 

[SAVINGRACE]

“Last Rites” is a blanket term used by Catholics to mean a sacramental visit by the priest which may include confession, the Anointing of the Sick, and the Eucharist.

Again, notice that “in danger of death” is a term that’s used in a particular way in canon law. It really doesn’t mean “on one’s deathbed.”

Here’s my question: what would it mean for a non-Catholic Christian to ask for the sacraments “in danger of death”? Would it mean that they truly believe in the sacraments? Would it mean that this is just some sort of superstitious gesture, in an attempt to “cover all the bases” before death?

Only God knows but I suppose that’s why a Priest would accommodate them.

What is the Church’s definition of “in danger of death” and is it left up to the Priest to decide?

 

[Gorgias]

What is the Church’s definition of “in danger of death”

I’ll simply quote Beal & Coriden’s “New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law” (which you can find at Google Books and browse there).

On p. 1278, they state, “[a] person is considered to be ‘in urgent danger of death’ (urgente mortis periculo) not only when death is imminent (in articulo mortis) but also when a life-threatening condition is present or very near and the person’s survival or death is equally probable. The life-threatening condition can come from within (e.g., illness) or from without (e.g., capital punishment, major surgery, impending combat).”

and is it left up to the Priest to decide?

The judgment call, it would seem, is whether the person is properly disposed.

 

[dconklin]

Just thinking out loud about the OP’s question…

In the confessional the priest does not know who is Catholic (worthy) or not. The confession will be heard and most likely absolution will be given. Non-Catholics will not receive the graces from the sacrament.