The Vatican has delivered a powerful message to the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, issuing a new decree that explicitly reinforces the Church's long-standing position against polygamy and multiple sexual relationships.
Approved directly by Pope Leo, the document from the Holy See's top doctrinal office emerged on Tuesday, emphasising that a singular, lifelong commitment to one spouse remains paramount in Catholic teaching.
Church's Firm Stance on Traditional Marriage
The decree specifically addressed the practice of polygamy, including among Catholic communities in Africa where cultural traditions sometimes conflict with Church doctrine. It reiterated the Vatican's unwavering belief that marriage constitutes a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman.
"Every authentic marriage is a unity composed of two individuals, which requires such an intimate and totalising relationship that it cannot be shared with others," the document stated clearly. It further emphasised that since marriage represents "a union between two people who have exactly the same dignity and the same rights, it demands exclusivity."
Addressing Modern Relationship Challenges
The new decree comes after extensive discussions about how to better enforce the Church's marriage teachings during two significant Vatican summits in 2023 and 2024. These gatherings, hosted by the late Pope Francis, brought together hundreds of cardinals and bishops to debate the future of Catholicism.
During those summits, polygamy in African Catholic communities generated heated debate, as many members participate in long-standing cultural practices involving multiple committed relationships. The rise of polyamorous relationship structures in some Western nations, where individuals maintain simultaneous romantic partnerships, also featured prominently in discussions.
The decree directly criticised these approaches, stating: "Polygamy, adultery, or polyamory are based on the illusion that the intensity of the relationship can be found in a succession of faces."
Clarity on Church Position and Procedures
Notably, the document focused exclusively on the "richness and fruitfulness" of traditional marriage without discussing same-sex relationships. It encouraged Catholics to find one spouse and develop a committed, exclusive bond.
While the document doesn't address divorce, which the Church doesn't recognise due to its view of marriage as indissoluble, it's important to note that the Church maintains an annulment process. This procedure evaluates whether marriages were properly contracted initially, and the Church stresses that partners aren't expected to remain in abusive relationships.
The timing of this decree coincides with preparations for Pope Leo's first overseas trip, where he's scheduled to carry a peace message to Turkey and Lebanon, though the Vatican hasn't indicated whether the marriage decree will feature in his diplomatic discussions.
