It’s been a while since I was a practicing Roman Catholic, but I seem to remember that all clergy were expected to confess regularly. So who would the Holy Father confess to? Does his confession need to be heard by one of his Cardinals? I’m wondering if there’s any sort of confessional heirarchy. I also seem to recall that in extreme circumstances, when a priest is not available, it’s okay to confess to a layperson, as long as the person confessing is sincere.
Pope John Paul II’s confessor was a Polish monsignor who heard his confession on Saturdays.
Can. 965 provides that only a priest is the minister of the sacrament of penance. So, no, a layperson may not serve in this role.
Any other priest can hear the Pope’s confession.
I wonder what heineous sins the pope has to confess. I would love to hear that one! :eek:
[self restraint]
We’re in GQ, not GD
We’re in GQ, not the Pit
We’re in GQ, not GD
We’re in GQ, not the Pit
We’re in GQ, not GD
We’re in GQ, not the Pit
We’re in GQ, not GD
We’re in GQ, not the Pit
We’re in GQ, not GD
We’re in GQ, not the Pit
We’re in GQ, not GD
We’re in GQ, not the Pit
[/self restraint]
Well, I don’t know that much about the catholic church, but as others have said, I don’t believe there’s any kind of hierarchy. Bishops, archbishops, and cardinals probably often confess to more junior attendant priests… though they would probably be able to select someone that they particularly respect and trust.
Without comment on the moral character of the Pope, I will point out that Catholics teach that one ought to confess both mortal and venial sins. The fact that a Catholic is confessing does not imply that that Catholic has done anything particularly heinous.
Gee, Bricker, I can’t imagine why. 
I do.
Whenever he makes confession, there I am, with a waterglass againbst the wall.
But, he just doesn’t know that, see? So, keep yer traps shut.
The things that lad does with clam chowder!
But isn’t the Pope supposed to be infallible? How can an infallible person sin, even in his mind? I always thought the Pope didn’t have to confess for that reason.
The Pope is infallible with regards to church doctrine, not his everyday life.
The Pope speaks infallibly only in very limited circumstances.