De secreto. Notes on the margin of the Note of the Apostolic Penitentiary of 29 June 2019

Abstract

The Note of the Apostolic Penitentiary on the importance and inviolability of the sacramental seal, 29th July 2019, brought the focus of attention back to the issue of secrecy, reiterating its centrality both in the internal Forum and in the life of the Church itself, ad intra and ad extra. The more the notion of the Secret is deepened, the more fruitful the application of the indications contained in the Note will be. Through a philosophical and theological approach respectful of the Church tradition, and in particular of the thought of Aquinas, through a path that starts from virtues and not from transgressions. Understanding the notion of the secret itself can favour its preservation, especially in relation to the virtues of faithfulness and truthfulness, starting from the etymology of words, as well as the examination of its different meanings (natural, promised, committed, professional, sacramental secret), and even the interconnections and the obligations deriving from keeping it.