Vatican Reaffirms Monogamy Amid African Bishops’ Concerns Over Polygamy

Vatican Responds to African Bishops’ Concerns Over Polygamy

The Vatican has taken a decisive step to address the long-standing concerns of African bishops about the prevalence of polygamy within their communities. On November 25, 2025, the Vatican’s doctrine office released a comprehensive 40-page document entitled “A Dear One: In Praise of Monogamy,” reaffirming the Catholic Church’s commitment to monogamous marriage as a unique, exclusive, and lifelong union between a man and a woman (Associated Press).

Doctrinal Emphasis: Monogamy as Lifelong Union

While Catholic teaching on the indissolubility of marriage—a union that cannot be broken—has been well documented, the Vatican acknowledged that its position on monogamy’s exclusivity and uniqueness has not been as widely recognized. The new document aims to clarify and strengthen that stance, particularly in regions where polygamy and polyamory are increasingly visible. African bishops have repeatedly raised these issues at Vatican meetings and synods in recent years, seeking clear guidance as they navigate complex pastoral realities.

The document, authored by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, head of the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, traces the development of marriage through the lens of scripture, poetry, Christian theology, and the writings of various popes and church councils. Fernández’s introduction suggests that the essential message of the text is captured in its final chapter, which focuses on “conjugal charity” and the conclusion that celebrates exclusive marital love.

Addressing Modern Challenges: Polygamy, Polyamory, and Pastoral Realities

The Vatican’s statement is not just a theological treatise—it is a direct response to evolving social realities. The rise of polyamory and non-monogamous unions in the West, and the persistent practice of polygamy in parts of Africa, pose what the Vatican calls a “pastoral test” for the Church. The document notes that polyamory and polygamy, though distinct, share a common challenge to the Church’s vision of marriage. As described in the document, polyamory is often understood as several mutually consenting romantic relationships, while polygamy typically refers to one man with several wives (Mezha).

The Vatican warns that polygamy, adultery, and polyamory are rooted in the illusion that deeper relationships can be found through serial connections. The document links these practices to broader trends in contemporary society: rising divorce rates, fragile unions, and the trivialization of adultery. It cautions that these developments threaten the stability and spiritual richness the Church believes is found in lifelong, exclusive partnership.

The Theology of Marriage: Unity, Sexuality, and Procreation

Central to the Vatican’s teaching is the dual purpose of sexuality within marriage: the “unitive” aspect, which brings spouses together and reflects divine love, and the “procreative” aspect, which is open to the creation of new life. The new document emphasizes that unity is a fundamental property of marriage, and that the unitive purpose of sexuality is not limited to procreation alone. Instead, it embodies a deeper bond of belonging and mutual enrichment.

The Church’s prohibition of artificial contraception, a doctrine supported by recent popes, is reaffirmed. However, the document acknowledges ongoing internal debate within the Church regarding this teaching, reflecting the reality that not all Catholics adhere strictly to this aspect of doctrine.

The final section of the document explores sexuality, procreation, and sexual attraction in marriage. Cardinal Fernández’s previous writings on these topics, which have sometimes sparked controversy, are referenced but not included in the Vatican’s official bibliography. Notably, Fernández was the author of a controversial 2023 doctrinal statement permitting priests to bless same-sex couples—a move that prompted a strong and unified rejection by African bishops, highlighting the complex and sometimes contentious relationship between local realities and universal doctrine (Crux).

A Pastoral and Doctrinal Balancing Act

The Vatican’s response to African bishops is both doctrinally firm and pastorally aware. While the Church stands unequivocally for monogamy as the ideal, it recognizes the challenges faced by clergy in regions where polygamy is part of the cultural fabric. The document seeks to equip bishops and priests with theological resources to advocate for monogamy while showing sensitivity to the lived realities of their flocks.

At its core, the Vatican’s statement is an invitation to reflect on the meaning of marital fidelity and unity in a rapidly changing world. The Church’s position remains clear: the sacrament of marriage is a lifelong, exclusive partnership, open to new life, and rooted in a love that is both unitive and procreative.

Global Implications and Local Realities

This renewed emphasis on monogamy arrives at a time of heightened debate over family structures and sexual ethics both inside and outside the Catholic Church. The Vatican’s decision to address African bishops’ concerns directly signals its willingness to engage with local challenges while upholding universal principles. The document’s release also highlights ongoing tensions between doctrine and pastoral care—particularly in regions where cultural practices diverge from Church teaching.

Ultimately, the Vatican’s statement is a call to reaffirm the value of exclusive, lifelong marital love as a source of stability, spiritual growth, and social cohesion. It is a message intended not only for African Catholics but for the global Church and wider society, as debates over marriage, sexuality, and family continue to evolve.

In this moment, the Vatican’s stance on monogamy is more than theological doctrine—it is a test of the Church’s ability to balance ancient principles with the realities of contemporary life. By articulating its position in response to African bishops’ appeals, the Vatican signals both resolve and a willingness to engage with difficult questions. The effectiveness of this message will depend on how well it is received and implemented on the ground, especially in communities where polygamy remains deeply rooted.