Absolution
Latin absolvere, "to set free"
Definition
The words and act by which a priest, acting in the person of Christ, forgives sins in the sacrament of Penance.
The formula used in the Latin Church is: "God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (CCC 1449).
The priest does not forgive by his own power. He acts as minister of Christ, who gave the apostles authority to forgive sins (John 20:23). Absolution requires the penitent's genuine sorrow and intention to amend.