The Vatican has reaffirmed its position against polygamy and polyamory, stating that true marriage is a lifelong and exclusive union of one man and one woman. A new doctrinal note, approved by Pope Leo XIV and released Tuesday, explicitly rejects polygamous and polyamorous relationships. The document argues that these practices rely on the illusion that the intensity of the relationship can be found in the succession of faces, rather than the mutual commitment of two individuals.
The Vatican’s stance is based on the belief that every genuine marriage is a union of two people of exactly the same dignity and rights, which demands exclusivity. This doctrine frames polyamory and polygamy as incompatible with the equal dignity and mutual belonging that the Church considers essential to marriage. The document responds to pastoral concerns raised by church leaders, particularly in African regions where polygamous marriages are common. Over the past few years, African bishops have repeatedly raised concerns about the prevalence of polygamy among Catholics and have sought clearer guidance from Rome.
Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, one of the authors of the document, emphasized that the note aimed not only to criticize polygamy but also to praise the value of monogamy. He highlighted its theological, philosophical, and historical grounding, arguing that true love involves mutual respect and the recognition of the other person’s inherent worth. Fernandez previously authored a contentious document allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples, a decision that sparked an unprecedented response from African bishops, who refused to implement it. This new decree does not address other debated issues such as same-sex relationships or divorce, but focuses solely on reasserting lifelong monogamy as the only acceptable framework for marriage under Catholic Church teachings.
The Vatican’s emphasis on monogamy has been a central theme in its responses to evolving social norms and human rights debates. While the Church’s position is rooted in its historical and theological traditions, it has also been influenced by contemporary concerns in regions like Africa, where polygamy remains a significant societal issue. The new document reflects the Vatican’s efforts to balance traditional teachings with the need to address modern pastoral challenges. Despite these efforts, the Church’s stance on marriage and sexual morality continues to be a subject of global debate and criticism.