Do priests *inherently* possess the power to forgive sins?

[FrDavid96]

So a priest may have faculties in one diocese but not in another. And if he heard confessions in another diocese without receiving faculties, then the sins of the penitents would not be forgiven even tho the priest absolved them?

Different issues…

Yes, a priest might have faculties in one diocese but not another. Under present law, if a priest has habitual faculties from his Ordinary, he has them everywhere (unless the local bishop specifically prohibits him). Still, yes, it is possible.

If a priest attempts to absolve, but that priest does not have the faculties to absolve (under whatever circumstances apply at that moment) then no absolution occurs. Absolution is a juridic act. No faculties = no absolution. Valid absolution requires faculties.

“Forgiveness” is a different issue. God can and does forgive sins even without sacramental absolution. We must be cautious about saying “not forgiven” because we don’t know what’s in God’s mind. We know that when the priest absolves, God forgives. We don’t know when He does-not-forgive.

 

[fred_conty]

Different issues…

Yes, a priest might have faculties in one diocese but not another. Under present law, if a priest has habitual faculties from his Ordinary, he has them everywhere (unless the local bishop specifically prohibits him). Still, yes, it is possible.

If a priest attempts to absolve, but that priest does not have the faculties to absolve (under whatever circumstances apply at that moment) then no absolution occurs. Absolution is a juridic act. No faculties = no absolution. Valid absolution requires faculties.

“Forgiveness” is a different issue. God can and does forgive sins even without sacramental absolution. We must be cautious about saying “not forgiven” because we don’t know what’s in God’s mind. We know that when the priest absolves, God forgives. We don’t know when He does-not-forgive.

Your explaination has been inlightening, thanks again, and may God bless you.