The permissibility of marriage between a Catholic and a previously divorced non-Catholic individual is a complex issue governed by Canon Law within the Catholic Church. The Church upholds the sanctity and indissolubility of marriage. Therefore, a Catholic is expected to marry within the faith. However, unions with non-Catholics, including those previously divorced, are addressed under specific circumstances.
Understanding the Church’s stance on marriage is crucial. The Church presumes the validity of all marriages, including those not performed within the Catholic Church, until proven otherwise. Prior to a Catholic marrying a divorced non-Catholic, an annulment, or declaration of nullity, of the previous marriage is generally required. This process determines whether the prior union was a valid sacramental marriage in the eyes of the Church. If the prior marriage is deemed invalid, the divorced non-Catholic is then free to marry a Catholic.