Pope Leo Tells Catholics That One Spouse Is Enough

Happily ever after does not need complex calculations, according to a new Vatican decree approved by Pope Leo, which states that for Catholics, one spouse is enough. The announcement, released on November 25, 2025, directs the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics to pursue lifelong commitment with one partner and avoid maintaining multiple sexual relationships.

The decree openly criticised the practice of polygamy in parts of Africa, including among some members of the Church. It reaffirmed the belief that marriage is a lifelong union between one man and one woman. While it did not address same-sex relationships, the document focused on what it described as the “richness and fruitfulness” of traditional marriage and encouraged Catholics to commit to one spouse fully.

“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 further emphasised exclusivity by saying, “Since (marriage) is a union between two people who have the same dignity and the same rights, it demands exclusivity.”

Why Has the Vatican Reaffirmed Its Position Now?

The question of enforcing teachings on marriage developed during two global Church summits held in 2023 and 2024. The late Pope Francis hosted the gatherings, which brought together hundreds of bishops and cardinals to discuss the future of Catholicism. Among the most debated issues were polygamy in Africa and the growing popularity of polyamorous relationships in some Western countries.

Polygamy drew strong opinions because of its deep cultural roots in several African communities where some Catholics maintain more than one long-term partnership. The Vatican noted that these practices conflict with Church teaching. Western discussions highlighted polyamory, where individuals date multiple partners at once, raising further concerns for Church leaders.

The decree addressed these trends directly. “Polygamy, adultery, or polyamory are based on the illusion that the intensity of the relationship can be found in a succession of faces,” it said, pointing to the Church’s belief that emotional depth comes from long-term dedication rather than rotating relationships.

What Does This Mean for Divorce and Annulment in the Church?

The document did not mention divorce, which the Catholic Church does not recognise because it views marriage as a lifelong sacrament. Instead, it highlighted the Church’s annulment process. Annulments evaluate whether a marriage was validly entered into from the start, and the Church has made efforts in recent years to simplify and speed up that process.

While reaffirming its commitment to lifelong marriage, the decree also stressed that no one is expected to remain in an abusive relationship. The Church underscored that personal safety and dignity remain essential, and the annulment system exists partly to support individuals whose marriages were not properly founded.

The new decree ultimately seeks to strengthen the Church’s teaching on commitment, exclusivity, and mutual respect, reinforcing the message that a meaningful partnership is built on choosing one spouse and remaining dedicated to them throughout life.

By Risper Akinyi