The Church has the power to forgive all sins. This forgiveness of sins is a valid sacrament instituted by Christ, different from baptism, mainly on account of its judicial form. Sins are forgiven only by the sacrament of penance. Sins are forgiven by absolution, which can only be done by an authorized priest. It is an absolute judicial pardon. The Church has the power to reserve certain cases. On the part of the sinner, their role is crucial. Contrition, confession, and satisfaction are required. Contrition is an aversion to the sins committed. Perfect contrition remits sin even before confession if it is joined with the intention to confess. Imperfect contrition (attrition) is sufficient if there is a confession and is a good and salutary thing. Confession must cover all mortal sins committed since baptism and not previously confessed. Venial sins and sins already confessed can validly be confessed. And satisfaction. The effect of the sacrament is reconciliation with God, that is, the remission of sins and the eternal punishment but not all the temporal punishment.
