The question of whether the dissolution of a marriage constitutes a transgression within the Catholic faith is complex. Catholic doctrine holds marriage as a sacrament, a sacred and indissoluble union established by God. This perspective views marriage not merely as a contract between two individuals, but as a covenant reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church. Therefore, the Church does not recognize civil dissolution as ending a valid sacramental marriage.
The significance of this teaching stems from its understanding of the family as the fundamental unit of society and a reflection of divine love. Upholding the permanence of marriage is seen as protecting the well-being of spouses, children, and the wider community. Historically, this stance has been consistently maintained, although the Church has developed canonical processes to address situations where the validity of the marriage itself is questioned.
