308. To whom is the absolution of some sins reserved?
(Comp
308) The absolution of certain particularly grave sins (like those
punished by excommunication) is reserved to the Apostolic See or to the local
bishop or to priests who are authorized by them. Any priest, however, can
absolve a person who is in danger of death from any sin and excommunication.
“In brief”
(CCC 1488) To the eyes of faith no evil is graver than sin
and nothing has worse consequences for sinners themselves, for the Church, and
for the whole world. (CCC 1495) Only priests who have received the faculty of
absolving from the authority of the Church can forgive sins in the name of
Christ.
To deepen and explain
(CCC 1463) Certain
particularly grave sins incur excommunication, the most severe ecclesiastical
penalty, which impedes the reception of the sacraments and the exercise of
certain ecclesiastical acts, and for which absolution consequently cannot be
granted, according to canon law, except by the Pope, the bishop of the place or
priests authorized by them (Cf. CIC, cann. 1331; 1354-1357; CCEO, can. 1431;
1434; 1420). In danger of death any priest, even if deprived of faculties for
hearing confessions, can absolve from every sin and excommunication (Cf. CIC,
can. 976; CCEO, can. 725).
On reflection
On reflection
(CCC 1459) Many sins wrong our neighbor. One must do what is
possible in order to repair the harm (e.g., return stolen goods, restore the
reputation of someone slandered, pay compensation for injuries). Simple justice
requires as much. But sin also injures and weakens the sinner himself, as well
as his relationships with God and neighbor. Absolution takes away sin, but it
does not remedy all the disorders sin has caused (Cf. Council of Trent (1551):
DS 1712). Raised up from sin, the sinner must still recover his full spiritual
health by doing something more to make amends for the sin: he must "make
satisfaction for" or "expiate" his sins. This satisfaction is
also called "penance."
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