Is a Penitent Bound by the Seal of Confession?

No, a penitent is not bound by the seal of confession. One should be prudent when discussing one’s sins, but it’s possible another person might benefit from the advice a penitent received in confession. A priest who celebrates the sacrament or anyone who deliberately or inadvertently hears a confession is bound to uphold the seal (Code of Canon Law, can. 983).

In addition, while a priest may not break the seal, if a penitent brings up the same subject outside of confession, then the priest could prudently talk about that conversation. But the seal remains even after a penitent’s death.