The priest may not give absolution. A list of sins? Longer than it seems

Sometimes it happens that the priest does not give absolution to the person who confesses. The confessor is usually blamed – because he had a bad day, because he was stubborn, because the number of sins exceeded him, because he was disgusted with the sins committed. However, it turns out that the matter is a bit more “structured”. Priests should follow the rules and their own views – in theory – should have no bearing on whether a penitent receives absolution. For what sins can a priest not grant absolution? For all of them, really. However, it all depends on whether the person meets the five conditions for a good confession. We are talking about an examination of conscience, repentance for sins, a firm resolution to improve, confession of sins and satisfaction to God and neighbor.

The problem may appear already at the second and third point. And these are the most common reasons why absolution is not granted. How can a priest know if a person is repentant and intending to improve? Sometimes he asks, and sometimes the sin itself indicates it. These include, among others, living together with a person with whom you are in a relationship, but also remaining in a relationship without the intention of entering into the sacrament of marriage. The exception is the so-called white marriagesi.e. people who live together but remain chaste, to which they commit themselves to the pastor of their parish.

What else precludes receiving absolution?

Sins will not be forgiven to a person who insults the Blessed Sacrament, for example, tramples it or accepts it without prior confession. This is considered a mortal sin. Even those who have turned their backs on the Church cannot count on forgiveness of sins – at least not at the hands of an “ordinary” confessor. In such a case, absolution can only be granted by a bishop.