Q: Is a person baptized as an adult required to confess all past actual mortals sins committed before Baptism?

A: In general, No. For the Sacrament of Baptism forgives all past sins and all punishment due for past sins. So it cannot be the case, and it would be contrary to dogma to claim, that all adults who are baptized still need to go to Confession for actual mortal sins prior to baptism.

However, there is a question, which does not have a dogmatic answer from the Magisterium, as to whether a baptized adult, if unrepentant from past actual mortal sins at the time of baptism, must repent and go to confession. The usual answer is that he must repent and then go to confession, because even baptism cannot forgive unrepentant actual mortal sins. However, this answer is not taught under dogma, and a future clarification from the Magisterium might be somewhat different from the usual answer given by theologians.

My answer, though, is a little different. I say that if the adult, prior to adult baptism, has at least implicit imperfect contrition for past actual mortal sin, then Baptism forgives those sins as well. This contrition is implicit in the sincere recitation of the baptismal prayer to renounce Satan and sin. This contrition is implicit in the sincere desire for baptism and entry into the Church as a believer in, and follower of Christ. So past unrepented actual mortal sins at the time of adult baptism would generally be unusual, as adults given baptism should always have sincere resolve to renounce sin and follow Christ.

However, in the case of adult baptism without this sincere resolve to renounce sin and follow Christ in His Church, then the usual answer of requiring a subsequent confession with post-baptismal contrition (previously lacking) seems correct to me.

Ronald L Conte Jr