One Wife at a Time

A man may only have one wife, and a woman may only have one husband. “Polygamy is contrary to conjugal love, which is undivided and exclusive” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1645). Read also our Lord’s words on the indissolubility of marriage in his interaction with the Pharisees (Matt. 19:1-12; see Gen. 2:23-24). See further St. Paul’s beautiful teaching on Christian marriage and its relationship with the mystical union between Christ and his mystical spouse, the Church (Eph. 5:21-33).

Only death may dissolve a validly ratified and consummated marriage between two Christians (Code of Canon Law, can. 1141; see also CCC 1625-32).