Confession of sin, also known as the sacrament of sin, is an important sacrament in the Roman Catholic faith that involves a confidential and private dialogue between the believer and an ordained priest to seek forgiveness. Historically, this sacrament required physical presence in the church. But as the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Pastronal’s adaptability provides the sturdiness to adapt this practice to modern practice.
Dr. Carlos del Rio of Bellevue University explores the idea of using audio-visual technology to perform remote confessions in his recent work published in Religion. Dr. Del Rio believes that neither physical proximity nor physical presence is necessary for confession, and that technology can facilitate the sacrament while maintaining its sanctity. Dr. Del Rio states, “The sacrament of penitence restores grace to a person’s soul, and we believe it can be celebrated meaningfully using modern technology.”
Dr. Del Rio emphasized in his study that priests are God’s instruments of forgiveness, but they do not require physical touch to do so. The use of audiovisual technologies such as video convocation can allow the preservation of essential aspects of the Sacrament (of sins and absolution through the spoken word) without the need for “in-person” contact with “in-person” proximity. This may be particularly beneficial for those who are physically unable to attend a confession, such as those who are elderly, live, incarcerated, or in a hospital.
Dr. Del Rio’s research shows that visual and auditory perception are key elements of confession. During the video call, the pastor can hear the words of the penitent and see their facial expressions, creating an effective environment for expressing repentance and repentance, as well as seeking absolution. Dr. Del Rio explains, “The use of technology can maintain the confidentiality and sanctity of the sacraments while providing practical solutions for those who are unable to physically confess their sins.”
One of the main arguments made in the proposal is that Jesus himself often used verbal forgiveness without being physically nearby. Dr. Del Rio pointed to biblical instances of Jesus imparting forgiveness through the spoken word, emphasizing that the essence of the sacrament lies in communication and intention, not physical touch.
Dr. Del Rio’s proposal has broad implications for how churches approach the future of pastoral care. During the Covid-19 pandemic, many churches have conducted “drive-through” confessions to maintain social distancing, demonstrating that adaptations can be made within the liturgy without losing the essence of the sacrament. Dr. Del Rio expands on this point by suggesting that video or telephone confessions can be useful pastoral tools.
While the proposal focuses on Roman Catholic doctrine, it raises broader questions about how religious practice evolves in the digital age. Traditionally, the church has placed emphasis on the physical presence of confessors and priests, but Dr. Del Rio presents the theological basis for rethinking this requirement. His work calls for deeper research into the use of technology in religious sacraments and suggests that audiovisual confessions may be a way to meet the spiritual needs of a concurrent, tech-savvy population.
In summary, Dr. Carlos del Rio’s research provides a compelling argument that the use of audiovisual technology in confessions has the potential to open the door to a new era of digital spirituality. By embracing these tools, the Church can make vital sacraments available to those who are unable to attend traditional confessions while still maintaining sacramental integrity and privacy.
Journal reference
Del Rio, Carlos M. “Using Visual Vision, Confessions of Remote Technology.” Religion, 2024. Doe:
