I forgot all about the mortal/venial sin thing! Each "class" of sin is assigned a status by the RCC hierarchy based upon its arbitrary notions and self-interest. If you commit a "venial" sin, you can pray it off with Penance (er, Reconciliation). If you commit a mortal sin you have to do your earthly Penance, but now you're faced with time in Purgatory, maybe even Hell. Unless, of course, the Pope declares an amnesty by allowing mortal sinners to perform some earthly act (participate in a crusade, pay an indulgence (donations, they're called today), or any other flippant reason he chooses.
So much error - in so few sentences. I think this may be some kind of record, you should check with the Guinness people.