Acanon penitentiary (Latin:canonicus penitentiarius) is a member of thechapter at cathedral or collegiate churches, who acts as a generalconfessor of thediocese. He has ordinary jurisdiction in theinternal forum, which power, however, he may notdelegate to others, and may absolve residents and strangers in the diocese and subjects of the diocese also outside same. His power extends also to sins and censures reserved to thebishop. The office of general confessor is foreshadowed in the early history of penitential discipline. Distinct legislation concerning the office is found in theFourth Lateran Council (1215), but especially in theCouncil of Trent (1545–1563).
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