The doctrinal Note Una caro. In Praise of Monogamy has been published, exploring the value of marriage as an “exclusive union and mutual belonging.”

Marriage is defined as “an indissoluble unity” by the doctrinal Note of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF). Fittingly, the document—approved by Pope Leo XIV on 21 November, the liturgical memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and presented to the press today, 25 November—bears the title Una caro (one flesh). In Praise of Monogamy.

It explains that only two people can give themselves fully and completely to one another; otherwise, the gift becomes partial and fails to respect the other’s dignity.

Reasons for the document

The text is driven by three main concerns. First, as Cardinal Prefect Víctor Manuel Fernández writes in the introduction, is the current “global context of expanding technological power.” This leads human beings to see themselves as “creatures without limits” and thus distant from the value of exclusive love reserved for one person.

The document also refers to discussions with African bishops regarding polygamy, noting that “in-depth studies of African cultures” contradict the common assumption that monogamous marriage is exceptional there. Finally, it notes the rise in the West of “polyamory,” meaning public forms of non-monogamous unions.

Conjugal unity and the union between Christ and the Church
In this context, the DDF seeks to emphasize the beauty of conjugal unity which, “with the help of grace,” mirrors “the union between Christ and his beloved bride, the Church.” Addressed primarily to bishops, the doctrinal Note is also meant to help young people, engaged couples, and spouses grasp “the richness” of Christian marriage, fostering “calm reflection and sustained deepening” on the topic.

Belonging rooted in free consent

Divided into seven chapters and a conclusion, the text reiterates that monogamy is not a limitation but the possibility of a love that opens to eternity. There are two decisive elements: mutual belonging and conjugal charity.

Mutual belonging, “founded on the free consent” of the spouses, reflects Trinitarian communion and becomes “a strong motivation for the stability of the union.” It is a “belonging of the heart, where only God sees” and where only He may enter “without disturbing the person’s freedom and identity.”

Source: vaticannews.va/en