[Mrs. Don-o]

I do wonder whether there's a difference between

1. an active obstinate perseverence in manifest grave sin, and
2. lack of a (publicly) manifest repentance.

If, in extremis, he confessed his sin and repented, we would not know because the priest would be unable to tell us--- isn't that true?

I'm not saying I've seen or heard any evidence of this. I'm just saying it's possible.

And even if it were so --- as I said before --- they should have had a private funeral Mass with family only: not the ostentatious display which had the appearance of moral indifference and gross sacrilege, and which scandalized so many.

[ebb tide]

If, in extremis, he confessed his sin and repented, we would not know because the priest would be unable to tell us--- isn't that true?

I don't think so. The priest can, and should, always make the public repentance of a notorious sinner's grave, manifest sins a requirement before a valid absolution is given.

N.B. I'm no canon lawyer. Just a neo-pelagian, sour-pussed, rosary counter.

[ebb tide]

As far as "extremis", the baby butcher survived another 15 months after his diagnosis to make public ammends (which he never did), i.e., there was no "extremis".