There are four types of absolution in Church usage.
1. Absolution from sin: This is the act whereby a priest acting as a judge, passes on the penitent from Christ the remission of sin. This follows from the power to forgive sin given to the Apostles by Christ and through them to their successors (Jn. 20:23). This power is exercised by the priest in administering the Sacrament of Penance. Two conditions are necessary without exception: (a) absolution can be given by none but priests and (b) since this is a judicial sentence, the priest must have authority or jurisdiction over the penitent. Authority is had first by the bishop and arises from his office, and secondly is delegated to priests by one having jurisdiction. Since the bishop has the prerogative of conferring power to absolve, he may reserve such power or limit this power as exercised by others. All priests, however, have the power from the Church to resolve from reserved matter when the penitent is in danger of death. The expression of absolution is given in prescribed words. "I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This form of absolution must be spoken by the absolving priest in the presence of the person seeking absolution. (cf. Penance, Sacraments of) Since publication of the Ordo Paenitentiae (Feb 7, 1974) the essential words of absolution have not been changed but have been inserted into a new formula that expresses reconciliation of the penitent as a gift coming from the love of God the Father. A Further expression of the forgiveness of sins is the general absolution, which is the exception granted for use when absolution is considered necessary and where, because of circumstances, confession is not possible, e.g., a group of soldiers about to go into battle. However, anyone so absolved is obliged to mention his sins when he makes his next private confession. Conditional absolution is sacramental absolving of sins given when the administering priest is doubtful of the disposition of the penitent. It may not be given without serious reason by the priest.
2. Absolution from censures: This differs from absolution given in the sacramental form in that it removes the penalties imposed by the Church and reconciles the penitent with the church. The absolution from censures may be given either in the confessional or outside, as in the Church court, and may be given by anyone with the necessary jurisdiction.
3. Absolution for the dead: This is a short prayer, imploring eternal rest, said after a requiem Mass over the body of the deceased.
4. Absolutions of Prayers of the Hours: These are certain short prayers petitioning the forgiveness of sins, which are recited before the lessons of the office of readings.