The ability of Catholics who have divorced to receive the Eucharist is a complex issue within the Catholic Church, guided by its teachings on marriage and the sacraments. The Church views marriage as a sacred, indissoluble covenant, and thus, divorce presents a challenge to this fundamental belief. The reception of Holy Communion is a central practice of the Catholic faith, symbolizing unity with God and the Church.
Historically, divorced Catholics who remarried civilly were generally barred from receiving Communion, as the Church considered them to be in a state of adultery. This stance was based on the understanding that the first marriage remained valid in the eyes of God, and therefore, the subsequent union was not a true marriage. This exclusion carried significant spiritual and social consequences for affected individuals, prompting ongoing discussion and calls for pastoral sensitivity.
