During the presentation of the document «Mater populi fidelis«, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith announced that it is preparing to publish a new doctrinal text on marriage, focused on the defense of monogamy and the value of the exclusive communion between man and woman. The document, titled “We Two: In Praise of Monogamy. Doctrinal Note on the Value of Marriage, Exclusive Communion, and Mutual Belonging”, will be officially released at the end of November.
A Response to the Pastoral Challenges in Africa
The announcement was made by the secretary of the Dicastery, Fr. Armando Matteo, who explained that this work arises as a response to a request made during the Synod on Synodality. On that occasion, several African bishops asked the Holy See for clear guidance regarding the pastoral situation arising from polygamy, which is still present in some cultural contexts on the continent.
According to Matteo, it was the African prelates themselves who requested the Vatican’s intervention to provide a firm doctrinal and pastoral framework that helps to accompany with charity, but also with truth, the faithful involved in polygamous situations.
Continuity with the Synods on the Family
Although the Synods of 2014 and 2015 were mainly focused on the debate about divorce and readmission to the sacraments, there were also—Matteo recalled—“significant interventions” from African bishops regarding the challenges posed by polygamy to Christian life. This new document therefore seeks to continue that reflection, reaffirming the Church’s traditional teaching on the unity and indissolubility of marriage.
Marriage as a Sacramental Sign
The text “We Two” aims to highlight the exclusive and reciprocal nature of the marital bond, emphasizing that Christian marriage is not only a natural institution, but also a sacramental sign of the faithful love between Christ and his Church. According to sources from the Dicastery, the doctrinal note will offer a theological and pastoral exposition that, without ignoring cultural difficulties, will reaffirm the objective truth of monogamous marriage as a path to sanctification and social good.
The document will be presented at a press conference in the Holy See Press Office at the end of November. The participation of representatives from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and several African prelates who collaborated in its preparation is expected there.