absoluutio

Absoluutio is a Latin term meaning "release" or "setting free." In a religious context, it primarily refers to the remission of sins, particularly within Christianity. The concept is most prominently found in the Catholic Church, where it is a central element of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as confession. During this sacrament, a priest, acting in the person of Christ, pronounces words of absolution, signifying God's forgiveness for the penitent's sins. This act is believed to restore the sinner to God's grace.

Theological understanding of absolution varies among Christian denominations. While the Catholic and Orthodox Churches view it as a sacrament administered by a priest, Protestant traditions generally emphasize a direct relationship between the individual believer and God for forgiveness. In some Protestant interpretations, absolution might be understood as a declaration of God's forgiveness based on faith in Jesus Christ, often proclaimed in corporate worship or private counsel, rather than a sacramental act performed by clergy.

Beyond its religious meaning, "absoluutio" can also be used in a broader sense to denote a formal release from an obligation, duty, or punishment. This could occur in legal or secular contexts, where a person is absolved of responsibility or guilt. However, its most common and significant usage remains within the realm of theology and religious practice.