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Category Archives: Crimes and Sanctions
How Does an Excommunicated Catholic Have the Sanction Lifted? (Part I)
Q: What does an excommunicated Catholic need to do, to return to full communion with the Catholic Church? –Lauren
Posted in Crimes and Sanctions
Tagged canon law, Catholic, crime, delict, excommunication, remit, sanction
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Can a Priest Ever Reveal What is Said in Confession? (Part II)
Q1: I would like to put before you a question with regards to revealing of confessional substance under the permission granted by the penitent. My question is “Whether by the penitent’s permission, a priest may reveal to another a sin … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Confession, Crimes and Sanctions, Parish Life, Sacraments
Tagged canon law, Catholic, confession, excommunication, sacramental seal, seal of confession
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Are Catholics Supposed to Avoid Contact With Excommunicated Persons?
Q1: A friend of mine who was raised evangelical, but has recently decided to join the Church, asked me about the Church’s rules (or potential lack thereof) regarding social interaction with excommunicated people. He was raised in a church which, … Continue reading
Posted in Crimes and Sanctions
Tagged canon law, Catholic, excommunicate, excommunication
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Sex-Abuse Scandals, Transparency, and the Right to a Good Reputation
Q: In a previous article, you stated that under canon law we all have the right to privacy and a good reputation. I’m having a hard time reconciling these rights with the need for transparency in the Church regarding sexual … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Crimes and Sanctions
Tagged canon law, Catholic, clergy, reputation, sexual abuse, transparency
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Could a Pope Ever Be Excommunicated? (“Excommunication” Defined)
Q: There are certain enumerated acts which trigger automatic, latae sententiae excommunication. Some of these acts could conceivably be performed by a Pope; for instance, it seems a Pope could help procure an abortion. Is it, then, theoretically possible for a Pope … Continue reading
Posted in Crimes and Sanctions, The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, excommunicate, excommunication, Pope
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