If you like what we do and want to regularly support our mission to build the Reign of Mary and/or assist the episcopal ministry of Bishop Athanasius Schneider, please consider becoming a Servant of Mary.
Pope Francis gave all priests who are confessors the ability to absolve in cases of this sickness.
However, before this, according to canon law, only the bishop or the penitentiary canon (a priest in the cathedral or other places who has been delegated this power by the bishop) could grant such absolution.