The priest must and does refuse absolution to a penitent when he thinks the penitent is not rightly disposed for the Sacrament. He sometimes postpones the absolution till the next confession ...

The image of Jesus ... equivalent to the Catholic sacrament of reconciliation. He noted that Catholic Church canon laws 965 and 966 say that only a priest may hear confession.

The sacramental seal of confession in the Catholic Church strictly prohibits priests from sharing anything a penitent says during the sacrament of reconciliation. (photo: asiandelight ...