Questions / Confession and the sacraments

What if I die before I can confess a mortal sin?

Church teaching

Answered on video by Catholic Answers

Video: What if I Die Before Confessing a Mortal Sin?, Catholic Answers Live, published May 15, 2015. Checked 10 October 2026. Loads from YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) only when you press play. Watch on YouTube

In short: Don’t panic. Sorrow that comes from loving God, together with the firm plan to go to confession as soon as you can, brings forgiveness even of mortal sins. CCC 1452

The answer, in writing

Church teaching

Contrition that comes from loving God above all is called “perfect.” CCC 1452

It obtains forgiveness even of mortal sins, if it includes the firm resolution to go to confession as soon as possible. CCC 1452

Our words

Tell God you’re sorry because you love Him, and plan to go. Then actually go.

Watch another on this

Play video: How Detailed Do You Need to Be in Confession?, Catholic Answers, from Catholic Answers Live, 2 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

Do I have to confess small, everyday sins?

Play video: What is a Mortal Sin? (Catholic Explanation), Catholic Answers, from Catholic Answers Live, 2 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

What is mortal sin?

Play video: What's the Difference Between Mortal and Venial Sins? (Aquinas 101), The Thomistic Institute (Dominican friars), from The Thomistic Institute, 9 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

What is venial sin?

Next step: How do I go to confession?

Honestly? The best answers come from people, not websites. Take the next step: find a parish near you

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Sources on this page

How we know · 1 Catechism paragraph

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1452 (official text on vatican.va).

Stone & Incense restates Church teaching in plain words and cites every teaching claim. Our own wording is not an official Church text. Found a mistake? Report an errorCorrections.