Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 458.

YOUCAT Question n. 458 - How confidential is the secret of the confessional?

(Youcat answer) The secret of the confessional is sacred. It cannot be violated for any reason, however weighty.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2490) The secret of the sacrament of reconciliation is sacred, and cannot be violated under any pretext. "The sacramental seal is inviolable; therefore, it is a crime for a confessor in any way to betray a penitent by word or in any other manner or for any reason" (CIC, Can. 983 § 1).   

 

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) A priest must not report even the most heinous crime. He has the option of refusing absolution unless the penitent turns himself in to the police. Not even trifles from a child’s confession can be revealed by the priest, even under torture. 

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 1467) Given the delicacy and greatness of this ministry and the respect due to persons, 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.

(The next question is: What ethical responsibilities are connected with the communications media?)