In the light of “a worrying negative prejudice” against the Catholic Church, Pope Francis ordered the publication of a document affirming the absolute secrecy of everything said in confession and calling on priests to defend it at all costs, even at the cost of their lives.
Secrecy of confession must never be violated, Vatican says
John Garvey: Jeremiah revisited
It is dismaying that the California Senate has so little concern for the sacrament of reconciliation. But in that regard it is not unlike most Catholics.
California dioceses ask Catholics to urge lawmakers reject confession bill
Using social media, preaching, newspaper columns and letters read at Mass, the Los Angeles Archdiocese and California’s other Catholic dioceses planned a special push over the June 15-16 weekend asking Catholics to urge their representatives in the state Assembly to reject a confession bill.
California bill aims to protect children by breaking seal of confession
California state Democratic Sen. Jerry Hill has introduced legislation that would require priests in the state to report to authorities information related to child sexual abuse learned in a confession.
California ‘confession bill’ viewed as violation of religious liberty
A bill making its way through the California Legislature would make the state the first since 1999 to require priests to choose between violating the law or violating the seal of the confessional.
In World Youth Day’s ‘Garden of Forgiveness,’ pilgrims find grace
During the “Renew Me” experience, pilgrims were guided through a journey of reflection, confession and celebration.
Father Kenneth Doyle: Where do ‘single Catholics’ fit?/ Is annual confession mandated?
How do single people fit in the Catholic church / Communion without Confession
Confessional is a place of forgiveness, not threats, pope says
Priests must be mindful that the confessional is a place where people can find forgiveness and mercy, not threats and condemnation, Pope Francis said.