Catholic Church in Costa Rica Stands Firm Against Bill Challenging the Confessional Seal
In a significant move, Catholic leaders in Costa Rica, including Daniel Blanco, the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of San José, have voiced their opposition to a proposed bill that threatens the sanctity of the confessional seal. The bill, introduced by lawmaker Antonio Ortega of the Frente Amplio political party, aims to compel priests to break the confessional seal in cases of sexual crimes against minors.
The Church’s Stance on the Inviolability of Confession
During a webinar titled “Sacramental Secret: A canonical, legal, and preventive approach,” organized by the Catholic University of Costa Rica, Bishop Blanco, a canon law expert, highlighted the Church’s unwavering stance on the matter. He referred to a 2019 document from the apostolic penitentiary, which underscores the inviolability of the sacramental seal as a cornerstone of the Church’s moral and legal doctrine. This principle is critical for both the sanctity of the sacrament and the penitent’s freedom of conscience.
The Essence of the Sacramental Seal
The document Blanco referred to emphasizes that the sacramental seal is essential for the integrity of reconciliation, ensuring that the penitent can trust in the absolute confidentiality of the confessional. This confidentiality is not just a matter of Church law but is rooted in the belief that the priest listens to confessions “in persona Christi capitis” – in the person of Christ the head. The Church firmly holds that no human authority can override this seal, making any attempt to do so not only a violation of the Church’s freedom but also an infringement on religious freedom and the individual freedoms of both penitents and confessors.
Opposition to the Proposed Bill
Father Alejandro Jiménez, judicial vicar of the ecclesiastical tribunal of the Archdiocese of San José, expressed that eliminating the confessional seal would not address the suffering caused by abuses, nor would it rectify the social evils that are not inherently connected to the Church. He stressed that the issue of abuse is a societal problem that the Church cannot tolerate.
Legal adviser José Rafael Fernández from the Catholic University of Costa Rica pointed out the broader implications of the bill, arguing that it would lead to a fundamental violation of the confidentiality inherent in the priest-penitent relationship. He raised concerns about the potential domino effect this could have on other professions bound by confidentiality.
The Broader Context of the Church’s Response
The Costa Rican Bishops’ Conference has established a national commission to address and prevent the sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults within the Church. This commission focuses on providing resources, protocols for prevention and action, and proposing initiatives to support victims and their families.
Upholding Canon Law and Human Rights
The Code of Canon Law, in canons 983-984 and 1386, explicitly protects the inviolability of the sacramental seal. Similarly, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Nos. 1467 and 2490) reaffirms this stance. The proposed bill, as argued by the Church leaders, would not only violate ecclesiastical law but also constitutional rights and the broader legal framework of Costa Rican law.
Preserving the Sacredness of Confession
The Catholic Church in Costa Rica remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the sacramental seal, viewing it as an essential aspect of religious freedom and the penitent’s right to confidentiality. As the debate continues, the Church leaders stand united in their belief that the sanctity of confession must be preserved against any legislative challenges.
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