2007-11-30 10:19:43 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes.
No priest (including the pope) can absolve himself.
Therefore every priest up to and including the Pope needs to go to another priest to give his confession.
"The priest is not a priest for himself. He does not give absolution to himself. He does not administer the sacraments to himself. He does not exist for himself, he exists for you" (Cure of Ars: Monnin II 453).
What a comfort to the guilty, when, stung with remorse and repenting of his sins, he hears the word of the priest who says to him in God's name: "I absolve thee from thy sins!" These words fall, it is true, from the lips of one who, in his turn, must needs beg the same absolution from another priest. This does not debase the merciful gift; but makes it, rather, appear greater; since beyond the weak creature is seen more clearly the hand of God through whose power is wrought this wonder. (Encyclical of Pope Pius Xi on the Catholic Priesthood) http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xi/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xi_enc_19351220_ad-catholici-sacerdotii_en.html
I do not know who is the Pope's confessor.
With love in Christ
2007-11-30 15:35:29 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, of course. He is required, like all other Caholics, to go to confession at least once a year during the Easter season. He is also bound to go as soon as possible if he commits a mortal sin. Generally, he selects a spiritual counselor who also hears his confession. However, he may go to any available priest and is not limited to even Cardinals.
2007-11-30 18:33:43 · answer #2 · answered by gismoII 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the Pope is a sinner just like every human. He avails himself of the Sacrament of Reconciliation on a regular basis. He does have a confessor/spiritual director.
I don't know the name of the current confessor. In fact, I don't know that it is made public, for obvious reasons. Priests are fobidden from discussing their penitents and their confessions, even unto death.
2007-11-30 18:27:57 · answer #3 · answered by MaH 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
That would be some high pressure, the pope comes to you and not you to him.
2007-11-30 18:24:28 · answer #4 · answered by midnitepoets 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Another priest. It needs not to be anybody especial
2007-11-30 18:38:00 · answer #5 · answered by Der Schreckliche 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'm sure the pope does. technically he could see any priest he wants.
2007-11-30 18:22:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes, he does, and his confessor would usually be one of his staff. They are all priests.
2007-11-30 18:32:40 · answer #7 · answered by June smiles 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋