Confessions in the Catholic church is meant to be confidential - between the priest and the confessor. What happens if a confessor tells the priest he had just raped a woman or that he killed someone? Should the priest go ahead and prescribe prayers for forgiveness or report to the police?

He dare not

Jeel:

He dare not

By that, do you mean a law abiding citizen (the priest) should knowingly conceal information about a crime?

IBEXY:

By that, do you mean a law abiding citizen (the priest) should knowingly conceal information about a crime?

If the law of the land is superior in which case the state is a secular one, then the priets must disclose the information to the relevant authority especially if he knows there is a search for the man. IF there is no search for the killer, it may be another issue altogether.

cgift:

If the law of the land is superior in which case the state is a secular one, then the priets must disclose the information to the relevant authority especially if he knows there is a search for the man. IF there is no search for the killer, it may be another issue altogether.

So its only in a secular state that certain individuals should report crimes to the police?
Tell me, will this same priest call the police assuming he gets robbed?
Would he keep it to himself as well since, obviously, the bible says we should turn the left cheek and forgive those who wrong us?

OP, There is something i want you to undastand, there are certain steps the priest is to take towards this issue. Lets start with your example- when 1 confesses to a priest of committing murder, the priest need make enquiry about the time of the killing, the nature of the killing, has he been persecuted already etc, this and other option will help determine if the priest will call the authority. Secondly, when the person violates a woman and he is now sorry for what he did, One of this may apply- the circumstances surrounding why he violated the woman will determine if the priest will raise alarm, eg was he on a robbery mission, was he paid to violate her etc and lastly (if possible) the priest and the offender may meet the woman involved and ask for pardon(if she fills like calling 911 at all odds, better). The situation at hand will determine the priest's action.dly, when the person violates a woman and he is now sorry for what he did, One of this may apply- the circumstances surrounding why he violated the woman will determine if the priest will raise alarm, eg was he on a robbery mission, was he paid to violate her etc and lastly (if possible) the priest and the offender may meet the woman involved and ask for pardon(if she fills like calling 911 at all odds, better). The situation at hand will determine the priest's action.

If there is repentance and confession, case closed. A minister has no business reporting confidential confession to police.

Joagbaje:

If there is repentance and confession, case closed. A minister has no business reporting confidential confession to police.

Lord knows how many crimes have gone undectected this way. There is limit to the rules of confidentiality especially when life is in danger or life has been tampered with. You supposition means a serial burglar can keep committing his crime provided he goes every other sunday to have a tearfull chat with the local priesthood.