The Vatican has reiterated its commitment to monogamous marriage in a new doctrinal document, addressing African bishops’ concerns about polygamy while highlighting the dignity and exclusivity of lifelong union between a man and a woman.
The Vatican on Tuesday reinforced its long-held position that marriage is a lifelong, exclusive union between a man and a woman, issuing a new doctrinal document in response to concerns from African bishops about widespread polygamy among their flocks.
The 40-page text, titled “One Flesh: In Praise of Monogamy,” reviews biblical, theological, philosophical and historical teachings on marriage, with doctrine chief Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández emphasizing that it is not a condemnation of polygamy but a celebration of the virtues and dignity of monogamous unions. Fernández said, “Those who truly love know that the other person cannot be a means to an end,” warning against forms of domination, pressure and infidelity that undermine healthy relationships.
The document also revisits Catholic teaching on sexuality and procreation and comes as Fernández continues to face scrutiny from conservatives over past works and his role in the 2023 Vatican statement permitting blessings for same-sex couples, which African bishops strongly rejected.