Vatican Condemns Rise of Polyamory and Polygamy, Reaffirms Monogamous Marriage as Sole Path
VATICAN CITY – The Vatican has issued a stark warning against the growing cultural acceptance of polyamory and polygamy, forcefully reaffirming its centuries-old teaching that marriage is an exclusive, lifelong union between one man and one woman.
The declaration comes in a new 40-page document titled “One Flesh—In Praise of Monogamy,” which was officially approved by Pope Leo XIV. The text directly addresses the spread of non-monogamous relationship models, which it argues are based on a flawed understanding of love and are harmful to the fabric of society.
The document specifically identifies two trends: polyamory, the practice of engaging in multiple consensual romantic relationships simultaneously, and polygamy, where one man has multiple wives. It contends that these arrangements stem from a “misunderstanding of love” and ultimately undermine the foundation of lasting commitment.
According to the Vatican, the rise of such relationships is linked to rising divorce rates and “increasingly weaker” bonds between partners. The Church views this trend as directly damaging to the stability of families and society at large.
The text provides a geographical context for the practices it condemns, noting that polygamy remains widely practiced in several parts of Africa, while polyamory is becoming more openly accepted and practiced in Europe and other Western nations.
“One Flesh—In Praise of Monogamy” serves as the Church’s latest and most comprehensive response to shifting social norms surrounding relationships and family structures. By issuing this document, the Vatican aims to draw a clear doctrinal line, presenting monogamous marriage not merely as a social option, but as the only form of partnership that fulfills the true, self-giving nature of love as defined by Catholic teaching.
About The Author
