“AUTHENTIC SIGNS OF THE FATHER’S MERCY” (MV 17)

Some Reflections on CCEO c. 372

Abstract

In the Bull of Indiction of the Holy Year of Mercy, Pope Francis underlined
the need to put the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the centre of the Jubilee.
Naturally, this draws attention to the role of the confessor. This Article
examines the fundamental ordinary duties of the confessor outlined in canon
732 CCEO, comparing them to what is found in the prescriptions of canons
978-981 CIC 1983. The approach of CCEO is altogether more succinct and
less concerned with practical details. Nevertheless, there is much in common
between the norms of the two Codes. A reflection on these basic
responsibilities will help all confessors become “authentic signs of the
Father’s mercy” (Misericordiae vultus n. 17).