Hungarian Catholic Bishops condemn Democratic Coalition’s proposed law violating confessional secrecy, reaffirm Church’s apolitical mission for salvation and peace.
Newsroom (24/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) The Permanent Council of the Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference has issued a statement expressing profound shock over a proposed law, submitted recently by the Democratic Coalition, that would require Catholic priests to violate the seal of confession.
The statement highlights that this proposal directly contradicts the agreement signed on February 9, 1990, between the Republic of Hungary and the Holy See, which affirms that the Catholic Church in Hungary operates in accordance with the Code of Canon Law. Canon 983, §1 of this Code strictly prohibits a confessor from betraying a penitent “in any way or for any reason.” Furthermore, Canon 1386, §1, currently in force, mandates that “a confessor who directly violates the sacramental seal incurs a latae sententiae excommunication reserved to the Apostolic See.”
The Council also noted that, in light of increasing attacks on the seal of confession, the Apostolic Penitentiary has recently reaffirmed this sacred obligation, one that the Church’s priests have upheld, at times, at the cost of their lives. The Church venerates Saint John Nepomuk as a martyr for this cause.
Church Rejects Political Involvement
The statement further expressed regret over the coarsening of public discourse during the heated election campaign, often marked by baseless fearmongering and defamation.
“We emphasize to our priests, all faithful, and society at large that the Catholic Church is not a political organization and has no intention of participating in the election campaign,” the Council declared.
“Our mission is to serve the salvation of souls. We are committed to tirelessly working for the physical and spiritual well-being of our nation and its people, for families, for the needy, for the education of youth, and for justice and peace,” the Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference concluded.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
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