The Vatican on Tuesday issued a new decree, approved by Pope Leo XIV, reaffirming that Catholics should marry only one spouse for life. It also instructs the faithful not to engage in multiple intimate relationships.Released by the Vatican’s top doctrinal office, the document says marriage must remain a lifelong, exclusive partnership between one man and one woman, a principle binding for all 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.The decree strongly criticises polygamy, highlighting that the practice persists in some African communities, including among Church members. It stresses that true marriage requires a deep, complete bond that “cannot be shared with others,” according to the Reuters. “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 decree stated.It added that exclusivity is essential because both partners have “the same dignity and the same rights”. “Since (marriage) is a union between two people who have exactly the same dignity and the same rights, it demands exclusivity,” the document read.The guidance follows two major Vatican summits held in 2023 and 2024 under the late Pope Francis, where Church leaders discussed how to better uphold Catholic teachings on marriage. Polygamy in parts of Africa and the rise of polyamorous relationships in the West were among the key points of debate.The document argues that polygamy, adultery and polyamory are based on “the illusion that the intensity of the relationship can be found in a succession of faces”.The decree does not address same-sex relationships and instead focuses solely on reaffirming traditional Catholic teaching on marriage. It also maintains the Church’s longstanding position against divorce, viewing marriage as a lifelong commitment.However, it clarifies that annulments remain possible and emphasises that no one is expected to remain in an abusive marriage.
