Can a priest who is a close family friend hear my son's confession?

[rodtsdm]

A close friend who is a newly ordained priest and who considers my family as family told my son that he was not allowed to hear his confession as he considered him family and was disallowed from hearing confessions of family members. My son is confused. Is this correct?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

So far as I know, a priest can hear anyone’s confession but it very likely would be imprudent for him to hear the confessions of family and close friends (unless, of course, they are at the point of death and there is no other priest available). As an analogy, think of a doctor who should not treat his own family. In any case, this priest’s reluctance to hear your son’s confession should be respected. Your son should simply ask him to recommend another priest.