If a catholic priest violates the confessional, what is the penalty?

Answer 1

Besides the prospect of eternal punishment for the grave sin (if the priest does not repent before dying), there is also a punishment under church law.

In the Catholic Church's "Code of Canon Law", canon number 1388 (link below) provides that a priest who intentionally violates the secrecy of the confessional is automatically excommunicated according to law when he commits the offence.

If a priest is excommunicated, he is prohibited from saying Mass or conducting any other religious services of the Church; he also may not receive Holy Communion until he confesses the sin and has the penalty lifted. Because of the gravity of the offense, the punishment can only be lifted by the Pope.

Answer 2

From Current Catholic Canon Law:

Canon 1388 ß1 A confessor who directly violates the sacramental seal, incurs a latae sententiae excommunication reserved to the Apostolic See; he who does so only indirectly is to be punished according to the gravity of the offence.

The passage from Catholic Canon Law shown above means that a priest is automatically excommunicated (separated from the church) if he violates the seal of the confessional, subject to the review of the appropriate church authorities.

There is much confusion about this sacrament, why and how it is accomplished, especially with non-Catholics, or former Catholics.

Beware of unofficial comments and/or advice that may appear in response to your question.

Answer 3

The answer above this one, is the best and most complete answer to the question so far.

The individuals who answered automatic excommunication are correct though I should point out that AMDG above is incorrect in this: excommunication does not take away the priest's priesthood. That cannot be taken away. Excommunication doesn't even reduce the individual to the lay state. Also Excommunication is not a Divine decree, though as a usage of the "Keys" it is backed by the Divine will.

Because the case must be reviewed, the offending priest might also be reduced to the lay state.

Answer 4

The penalty is immediate excommunication.

The Bishop does not even have to know about it in order for the excommunication to happen, it is assumed that once that is done he is no longer a priest and is Divinely excommunicated.

Never go to the chick web site for answers about the Catholic faith. Mr. Chick is a very confused person.

Answer 5

According to christianity, Jesus(pbuh) came to this earth to wipe out all the sins of humans (no matter it is a priest or layman) so when a Layman commits a sin he is not really responible for it and is not punished by God, just beleive in Jesus and he is forgiven (no commen sense here) But still he has to go to a Catholic Priest and confess his sins (and the Priest forgives him in the name of God.... no common sense here as Jesus has already forgiven him so why the priest again)... But still all the christian world has POLICE and MILITARY and LAW to punish the anti socials (even though their sin is forgiven... GOD forgives but MAN WILL NOT) ... AND AT LAST.... When the Catholic Priest violates and commits a sin...HE MUST RUN TO A BISHOP.... AND A BISHOP MUST RUN TO A CARDINAL AND A CARDINAL TO THE POPE.... DONT ASK ME WHERE THE POPE RUNS (THEY NEVER WASH THEIR DIRTY LINEN IN PUBLIC)

CHRISTIANITY IS A RELEGION WITH NO COMMON SENSE, A THINKING BRAIN CANNOT ACCEPT IT AS A RELEGION OF GOD.... WELCOME TO ISLAM

Answer 6

Nothing -- he doesnt even have to give back the money.

look for money slaught below confessional window next time you go in the box.

Answer 7

Check out http://www.chick.com Click on "Online Reading." Then click on "English Tract List." Then scroll down toward the bottom of the page and read "Is there Another Christ?" This may answer your question.

Answer 8

2 Hail Marys and call me in the morning.

Answer 9

Lol, if you make it a big deal, he may get relocated.

Answer 10

Hell.