Chapter XI — On the tenth article

1. What does the tenth article — "The forgiveness of sins" — teach us?

The tenth article of the Creed teaches us that Jesus Christ has left to His Church the power to forgive sins.

2. Can the Church forgive every kind of sin?

Yes, the Church can forgive all sins, however many and however grave, because Jesus Christ has given her full power to loose and to bind.

3. Who are those in the Church who exercise this power to forgive sins?

Those who in the Church exercise the power to forgive sins are, in the first place, the Pope, who alone possesses the fullness of this power; then the Bishops, and, in dependence on the Bishops, the priests.

4. How does the Church forgive sins?

The Church forgives sins by the merits of Jesus Christ, by conferring the sacraments instituted by Him for this purpose, principally Baptism and Penance.