absolutio
Absolution
The words by which a priest, in the sacrament of Penance, forgives sins in the person of Christ — “I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
a loosing; a setting free
Christ gave his apostles the power to forgive and retain sins, and the Church exercises it in the sacrament of Penance. After the penitent confesses and expresses sorrow, the priest pronounces the words of absolution, and the Catechism teaches that through them God grants the penitent pardon and peace. The priest is bound by the seal of confession to absolute secrecy about everything confessed, without exception.
Councils
Where the Church settled or debated this. Follow a council to read our article on it, or the decrees themselves.
- 1545–1563Council of Trentthe decrees
Sources checked 29 September 2026