seal of confession
Confessional's sacred silence
The seal of confession is the absolute obligation of a priest to keep secret anything revealed during the sacrament of confession.
In Catholic canon law, this confidentiality admits no exceptions—a priest cannot disclose confessed sins even to prevent crimes or save lives, and violation results in automatic excommunication.
The priest invoked the seal of confession when questioned by police.
- privileged communicationLegally exempt disclosure
- absolutionFormal clearing of guilt
- penanceSelf-mortification for wrongdoing
- moral dutyEthical requirement to act
- excommunicationFormal barring from sacraments
confidentiality breach · trustworthiness · canon law · Catholic Church · pastoral care · contrition · divine forgiveness · mortal sin · mortal soul · inviolability · reconciliation · sacrament · legal immunity · sacred trust · spiritual counseling · guilty conscience · act of contrition · holy orders
seal of confessionpublic confession
Openly admitting wrongdoing
public disclosure · exposure · revelation · broadcasting · publishing
seal of confessionmandatory reporting
Legal duty to notify authorities
duty to report · subpoena · whistleblowing · informing · breach of confidence
seal of confessioncourt order
Binding judicial directive
subpoena · breach of confidentiality · deposition · state's evidence · police interrogation
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