Do priests have to report crimes they learned of in confession?

Question

And are Bishops/Cardinals, etc. required to report crimes of a priest when learned in confession? Or are they legally required to keep that info secret?

Answer 1

They are bound by their oath, not the law. They can report things they hear in confession but they would lose their priesthood. Of course their are exceptions to the rule. A priest has an obligation to protect people as well. For example, if someone confesses they are going to kill someone or blow up a mall, etc. then the priest will report it.

As far as ***** goes. I feel sorry for you that your life is so pathetic and sad, and you are so full of anger that you can't even answer a simple question without resorting to the absolute lowest level of inanity.

Answer 2

Just like ordinary citizens, clergy can be proescuted for not notifying authorities of a crime they know of. Television and Film made it popular to believe that they are offered some sort of protection that doesn't apply to the rest of society; but in short, if someone tells their priest that they (committed a crime) or (are going to commit a crime); then they have an obligation to notify someone in law enforcement.

Answer 3

Generally, they are not required to report any past crimes that would be covered by the clergy evidentiary privilege.

Most states make exceptions for statements about future crimes, or for crimes involving child abuse or elderly abuse.

Answer 4

<> there is what's called the Seal of the Sacrament; effectively forbidding preists to tell everyone something they have heard in Confession - unto soreness of dying. the excuses for this in all fairness glaring, no longer the least of that's the undeniable fact that, if people theory their sins could grow to be the subject count of gossip, there's no way everyone could confess something in Confession. <> No. the point of Confession is the absolution of sins. That reported, if somebody replaced into to admit to a criminal offense in Confession, the priest is in all possibility to furnish the penence of turning one's self into the police. to make certain that sins to be forgiven in Confession, one would desire to accomplish the penance as assigned. <> The regulation can no longer pursue clergy as a results of fact the Holy Sacrament of Reconciliation is a non secular corporation - that's risk-free against government interference and intervention via the 1st replace to the form. <

Answer 5

No, they are not required to call the police. They are also not legally bound to secrecy. The Catholic Church doctrine is what binds them. Although morally any serious crime I suppose they could leave an anonymous tip.

Answer 6

I believe the seal of the confessional does not allow them to report a crime if they hear it.

Answer 7

no, with the exclusion of child abuse or neglect. But they cover this up with that little window between them and the confessioner, they can claim they didn't know who it was.

Answer 8

No, they are not allowed to do so.

Answer 9

short answer no