Can a priest report a sin not yet committed, to prevent a crime?
The short answer
No. Under no circumstances may a priest use knowledge from confession to the penitent's detriment. The seal is inviolable; a confessor may never betray a penitent in any way or for any reason.
No use of the knowledge
A confessor may never use knowledge acquired in confession to the detriment of the penitent (CIC 984).
The seal
The sacramental seal is inviolable; it is absolutely forbidden for a confessor to betray a penitent in words or in any manner, for any reason (CIC 983).
Continue exploring
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