The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that we need to find the right balance between honesty and discretion. “Truthfulness keeps to the just mean between what ought to be expressed and what ought to be kept secret.”
CCC #2488 says, “The right to the communication of the truth is not unconditional. Everyone must conform his life to the Gospel precept of fraternal love.” So we are not always obligated to tell someone the truth when they ask us for it.
CCC #2489 “Charity and respect for the truth should dictate the response to every request for information or communication….No one is bound to reveal the truth to someone who does not have the right to know it.”
Father Thomas gives a few cases for us to figure out.
Scriptures and passages from the Catechism:
- 1 Peter 2:1
- Matthew 7:12
- CCC #2469
- CCC #2488-2492
- CCC #2477