French Bishops’ Capitulation: Secular State Demands Violation of Sacramental Seal
[World] French Bishops’ Capitulation: Secular State Demands Violation of Sacramental Seal
EWTN News reports that on June 1, 2026, France’s National Assembly approved for consideration a bill aimed at preventing and combating violence in schools. The French Bishops’ Conference contends the legislative initiative infringes upon several fundamental freedoms, including freedom of conscience, freedom of education, and freedom of worship. Although the bishops support the government’s intention to combat violence, they specifically expressed concern that the proposed legislation could compromise the seal of confession and the autonomy of Catholic education. The bishops point to Article 9 of the bill, which mandates the obligation to report acts of violence against minors even if knowledge of such acts was acquired in the exercise of the priestly ministry and adds that no “seal of confession” may be invoked to override said obligation. The prelates further warned that the measure would jeopardize the autonomy of Catholic schools, as it provides for an expansion of state control over government-subsidized private institutions.



