The dissolution of a marriage contract, particularly through legal means, is a complex issue when viewed through the lens of Catholic doctrine. The Church understands marriage as a sacrament, a sacred and indissoluble union established by God. Consequently, civil decrees that legally terminate a marriage are not recognized as valid terminations within the Catholic Church.
This position stems from the belief that the marital bond, once validly entered into, is permanent and cannot be broken by any human power. Historically, this stance has been maintained to uphold the sanctity of marriage and the stability of the family unit. This viewpoint emphasizes commitment, fidelity, and the procreation and education of children as central purposes of matrimony.