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Confession & MercyIntermediate

Do I have to go to confession to receive a plenary indulgence?

Confession & Mercy

The short answer

Yes. Sacramental confession is one of the required conditions for a plenary indulgence, even for someone not conscious of mortal sin. If any condition is missing, or attachment to sin remains, the indulgence is only partial.

Required for everyone

The apostolic constitution on indulgences says sacramental confession is required for a plenary indulgence, with no exception for those not aware of mortal sin.

The conditions

To gain a plenary indulgence one must do the indulgenced work and fulfill three conditions: sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion and prayer for the pope's intentions. All attachment to sin, even venial, must also be absent. If any of this is lacking, the indulgence is only partial.