Vatican Reaffirms Stance on Monogamous Marriage
The Vatican has issued a firm response to concerns raised by African bishops regarding the practice of polygamy within their congregations. On Tuesday, 25th November 2025, the Holy See released a new doctrinal document that strongly reaffirms the value of lifelong, monogamous marriage between a man and a woman.
The document, titled "A Dear One: In Praise of Monogamy," comes from the Vatican’s doctrine office, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. It was authored by its prefect, Argentine Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández.
Addressing Pastoral Challenges in Africa
This publication directly addresses a recurring issue highlighted during Vatican meetings of bishops. African delegates have regularly expressed concern about the widespread practice of polygamy among their flocks and have sought clear guidance from the Vatican on the matter.
While the Church's position on the indissolubility of marriage is well-documented, the new text argues that its teachings on the unique and exclusive nature of monogamous unions are less widely understood. The 40-page document, written in Italian and containing 256 footnotes, traces the history of marriage through biblical texts, poetry, Christian theology, and papal writings.
Content and Context of the Document
Cardinal Fernández suggested that readers could grasp the document's core message by focusing on the final chapter, which discusses "conjugal charity," and the conclusion. The text reiterates that Catholic doctrine holds the sacrament of marriage as a lifelong, exclusive union between a man and a woman, open to new life.
The final section also delves into topics of sexuality, procreation, and attraction, recalling some of the cardinal's previous, more controversial writings. His appointment in 2023 was met with criticism from conservatives who referenced his out-of-print books, such as "Heal Me with Your Mouth. The Art of Kissing" and "The Mystical Passion: Spirituality and Sensuality."
Furthermore, Cardinal Fernández was the author of the 2023 doctrinal statement allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples, a move that prompted an unprecedented, unified rebuke from African bishops who refused to implement it.
The new document on monogamy, therefore, arrives in a complex context, aiming to provide clear doctrinal guidance while navigating sensitive pastoral and cultural challenges within the global Catholic community.
