5. About the Fifth Conclusion

103. About the fifth conclusion it is said [Richard of Middleton, Sent. IV d.21 princ.5 q.4] that one is bound by the law of nature to keep every secret, for the reasons given for the first conclusion [nn.79-85]; not only when the one confessing himself makes it express that he wants to commit it as secret, but also whenever it appears from the manner of committing that he wants to commit it as secret.

104. But the reasons for the second conclusion [nn.86-89] do not prove this with equal evidence save the third [n.89], that occasion would be given for lying when committing some secrets to someone.

105. As to this article [sc. this fifth conclusion] I say that the same ecclesiastical penalties are not inflicted for any secret as for this this secret [of confession]. But if someone were to reveal publicly some other secret a different penalty would be imposed on him, namely bad reputation. For he who imputes a false crime or anything that he cannot prove is to be regarded as a calumniator [Gregory IX, Decretals V tit.2 chs.1-2]; such is he who reveals any secret crime that the cannot prove.