Does a Catholic Priest have to turn over criminals??

Question

When the asked to be forgiven in the dark and the Priest gives them Penance, they are free to go? Catholics and Law breakers free from law simply because a Priest say's so?

Answer 1

The confessional is confidential. Theoretically, the priest does not even know who he's talking to.

According to the Code of Canon Law, 983 §1, "The sacramental seal is inviolable; therefore it is absolutely forbidden for a confessor to betray in any way a penitent in words or in any manner and for any reason." Priests may not reveal what they have learned during confession to anyone, even under the threat of their own death or that of others.

In a criminal matter, a priest may encourage or require the penitent to surrender to authorities and may withhold absolution if the penitent refuses to do so. However, this is the extent of the leverage he wields; he may not directly or indirectly disclose the matter to civil authorities himself.

Answer 2

First I will assume you are speaking of confession.

There is two levels, first the eartlhly punishment and second the etermal punishment from God.

In confession the preist can not tell what he is told ( actually if he tried, the evidence can't be used in US courts, since the person going to confession is expected to e protected)

so no the priest can not tell what he is told. There are a few exceptions, if the crime is on going and someone is in danger.


But normally as a condition of the penace the person is asked to confess to the police and turn thierself in. And if they don't, no forgiveness is given.


And the Prist is not free from the law, he is actually protected by specific laws that protect confession..

Answer 3

A priest cannot reveal anything that anyone reveals to him in the Holy Sacrament of Reconciliation (otherwise known as Confession). Some priests have died or been imprisoned rather than violate the Seal of Confession. However, if a priest witnesses the commission of a crime, he is obligated to report it and to testify, just like any other citizen.

Answer 4

As said above, priests cannot violate the seal of the confessional. Further, as mentioned above, any evidence obtained in that manner cannot be used in a court.

There are three immunities under US law.

Spousal privilege--a spouse may not divulge information given in confidentiality to authorities nor may be compelled to act as a witness against their spouse in such a circumstance.

Attorney privilege-- an attorney may not provide information given in confidence, except under narrowly defined circumstances.

Clerical privilege -- a member of the clergy may not provide information given as part of the confessional and any information provided voluntarily by the clergy may not be admitted into evidence.

Answer 5

fr chuck said it best and from what i also understand, no the criminal will not receive absolution until they either turn themselves in or some how make reperation for thier sins. that is all part of what goes on th ein the confessional. most of us are only mild sinners and thus - prayers and contemplation works. however depending on the severity of the crime - reperations are more severe. also, a priest CAN deny absolution.

Answer 6

Not free from the law of man...free from the law of G-d

Answer 7

If they are in the US, they are legally required to divulge information if it involves a serious criminal act or the intent to commit one.

Answer 8

Since when does the Catholic church care about Laws or what is right or wrong

Answer 9

Catholic priests are criminals, therefore they would have to turn themselves over!

Answer 10

that will mean the priests will have to turn them selfes in to the cops