The question of whether individuals who have divorced and remarried without an annulment can partake in Holy Communion within the Catholic Church is a complex one, governed by Canon Law and interpreted through magisterial teachings. The Church’s understanding of marriage as a sacrament establishes its indissolubility. Thus, divorce, in itself, does not sever the sacramental bond. However, remarriage, without a declaration of nullity (annulment) of the first marriage, presents a challenge to receiving Communion, as such a union is considered by the Church to be an adulterous relationship.
The implications of this teaching are significant for many Catholics. The inability to receive Communion is often experienced as a profound spiritual hardship, as it prevents full participation in the central rite of the Catholic faith. Historically, this issue has been addressed with varying degrees of pastoral sensitivity. The development of annulment procedures, although imperfect, aims to assess the validity of the initial marriage covenant. Furthermore, ongoing theological and pastoral reflection seeks to find ways to accompany and support divorced and remarried individuals within the life of the Church.