What is the nature of the seal in the sacrament of penance?

• A. The confessor is bound by absolute secrecy; there is no exception.
• B. The seal may be breached if the penitent consents.
• C. The seal is optional in pastoral emergencies.
• D. The seal applies only to minors.

Answer: (A)

The essential point is that the sacramental seal in penance is inviolable and absolute. The confessor is bound to keep everything heard in confession completely secret, forever, and there are no exceptions. This secrecy applies to all aspects of the confession—what the penitent confessed, any details or identities mentioned, and even anything inferred from the conversation. The obligation stands even if the penitent asks for disclosure, or if revealing the information might prevent a crime or protect someone. The seal’s universal and unbreakable nature is what makes the sacrament trustworthy: it allows the penitent to speak freely, with the assurance that nothing will be revealed outside the confessional. It also applies to all penitents, regardless of age, and remains in effect in pastoral emergencies—the confidentiality does not loosen.