Australia’s five archbishops said they would consider asking the
Vatican for clarification on concerns raised in a government inquiry
into sexual abuse of children in the church.
Among those concerns were whether the seal of confession includes only the sins confessed, not other information revealed in confession, and under what circumstances — specifically concerning an abuser — a priest could withhold absolution.
http://catholicphilly.com/2017/02/news/world-news/australian-archbishops-to-ask-vatican-for-clarity-on-confession-issues/
Among those concerns were whether the seal of confession includes only the sins confessed, not other information revealed in confession, and under what circumstances — specifically concerning an abuser — a priest could withhold absolution.
http://catholicphilly.com/2017/02/news/world-news/australian-archbishops-to-ask-vatican-for-clarity-on-confession-issues/