The Confidentiality of the Confessional

[blaskoman]

Would a penitant be in violation by talking with a friend/relative about what was said in the confessional? or does the confidentiality of the confessional only apply to priests? thx.

 

[acadian]

The seal only applies to the priest. The penitent can reveal whatever he or she wants to whomever he or she wants, though it might not be the prudent thing to do.

It should be noted that should something be said that would paint the priest in a bad light, that the priest is not able to defend himself.

 

[LRThunder]

The seal only applies to the priest. The penitent can reveal whatever he or she wants to whomever he or she wants, though it might not be the prudent thing to do.

It should be noted that should something be said that would paint the priest in a bad light, that the priest is not able to defend himself.

An addendum: the seal also applies to any third party that might hear the confession at the time of the confession. If there’s an interpreter, that person is also bound by the seal. If a person eavesdrops (accidentally or otherwise), that person is also bound by the seal.

 

[Karl_M]

An addendum: the seal also applies to any third party that might hear the confession at the time of the confession. If there’s an interpreter, that person is also bound by the seal. If a person eavesdrops (accidentally or otherwise), that person is also bound by the seal.

You raise a good point. When you’re confessing, do not confess loudly! I was waiting for a confessional once and the woman before me didn’t heed that advice. Everyone in line knew some of what she confessed.

Luckily for her, this was at a parish that takes confession extremely seriously and we all knew enough that we were also bound by the priest’s seal (someone did mention to the priest, though). But just think if that wasn’t the case.