Can a priest refuse absolution?

A priest can delay or refuse absolution when there is good reason to conclude that the penitent is not properly disposed. If the penitent is repentant and seeks absolution, it should not be refused or delayed (Canon 980).

What the penitent must bring. Contrition is sorrow for sin together with the resolution not to sin again (CCC 1451). The person must confess known mortal sins honestly and have a real purpose of amendment (CCC 1456). This does not require certainty that the person will never fall again. It requires a sincere decision, made now, to turn away from sin and take reasonable steps to avoid it.

When absolution may be delayed. A priest may withhold absolution if someone openly refuses to repent, deliberately conceals a mortal sin, or intends to continue gravely sinful conduct without trying to change. For example, a person cannot validly seek forgiveness for theft while firmly intending to keep stealing. Someone who refuses all reasonable restitution may also show a lack of repentance. Jesus joins mercy with conversion: “Go, and from now on do not sin any more” (Jn 8:11).

Repeated sin does not automatically prevent absolution. A person struggling with addiction, habitual sexual sin, anger, or another recurring fault may be truly contrite even after many failures. Weakness is different from a settled intention to continue sinning. The priest should consider the person's actual disposition, offer counsel, and encourage practical steps such as avoiding occasions of sin, seeking treatment, ending an immoral relationship, or making restitution. Imperfect contrition, including sorrow arising from fear of punishment, is sufficient for receiving forgiveness in the sacrament when joined to confession (CCC 1453).

The priest also needs authority to absolve. A priest ordinarily needs the faculty to hear confessions validly. Certain canonical penalties can involve additional requirements, although many confessors have broad faculties to address them. In danger of death, every priest can validly and licitly absolve any penitent from sins and censures, even if the priest otherwise lacks faculties (Canon 976).

If absolution is withheld. Ask the priest calmly why and what must change. He should explain the obstacle and help you take the next faithful step. Make an act of contrition, follow his sound counsel, and return to Confession as soon as you are prepared to renounce the sin sincerely.