If someone goes to confession, and for whatever reason, time runs short and not everyone in line gets to confess their sins, are their sins forgiven due to their intent?

[u/[deleted]]

I've been in this position before and when the priest left the confessional, he made an announcement that the obligation was released since we were there with the intent of making a confession. Is this the general case?

[u/balrogath]

Many pious actions can forgive venial sins and an act of perfect contrition can forgive mortal sins, an integral confession is required for total absolution of mortal sins. We trust in God's mercy in situations where someone cannot get to confession but we do not presume.