Section — McHugh–Callan, Moral Theology
The Minister
2750.
Requirements in the Minister for Valid Absolution
Requirements in the Minister for Valid Absolution.—(a) The divine law requires the power of Orders, for only priests were appointed by Christ as the ministers of Penance, (b) The natural law requires the power of jurisdiction, since the Sacrament of Penance is exercised in the form of a judicial process, which supposes authority to judge. (c) The law of the Church requires the approval of the Bishop, or his decision that the priest is a fit person to hear confessions. Approbation is always given along with jurisdiction.