Of the Effect of the Keys

We must now consider the effect of the keys under which head there are four points of inquiry:(1) Whether the power of the keys extends to the remission of guilt?(2) Whether a priest can remit sin as to the punishment?(3) Whether a priest can bind in virtue of the power of the keys?(4) Whether he can loose and bind according to his own judgment?

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Whether the power of the keys extends to the remission of guilt? [*St. Thomas here follows the opinion of Peter Lombard, and replies in the negative. Later in life he altered his opinion. Cf. TP, Question [62], Article [1]; TP, Question [64], Article [1]; TP, Question [86], Article [6]]

Whether a priest can remit sin as to the punishment?

Whether the priest can bind through the power of the keys?

Whether the priest can bind and loose according to his own judgment?