‘The Plane’s Going Down’ — Am I Absolved, Generally Speaking?

The flaming plane was one of several high-profile aviation incidents in recent weeks, including the emergency Jan. 5 landing of a Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft, which saw a door plug detach from the airplane shortly after takeoff. No one was hurt in that situation either — which was nearly miraculous, given the possibility that the falling door plug could have caused damage to the airplane’s engines, wings, or other essential flying components, or that someone could have fallen out a gaping hole in the airplane! But as Boeing undertakes a massive review of airplane safety, some Catholics are asking a big question: If a plane is going down, and a priest is on board, can he absolve us? It’s a great question. The Pillar explains.