Una Caro. In Praise of Monogamy

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See below the statement by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, on the Doctrinal Note Una Caro. In Praise of Monogamy. Doctrinal Note on the value of marriage as an exclusive union and mutual belonging, which was presented this morning, 25 November 2025, at a press conference by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.

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The Doctrinal Note Una Caro. In Praise of Monogamy. Doctrinal Note on the value of marriage as an exclusive union and mutual belonging is a valuable resource for the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. It will allow us to provide bishops, ecclesial movements, associations of the faithful, and those involved in youth and family pastoral ministry, with important guidelines for a theological and pastoral reflection on the fullness of human love.

Investing in formation programmes to help people appreciate the richness of an exclusive relationship – one that takes a lifetime to grow into its fullness

This fullness is realized in the unity and exclusivity of marriage between a man and a woman, and newlyweds must be accompanied in understanding what it means to live this “vocation for two” in the world and in the Church.

Today, it is not easy to convey this message within a cultural context marked by what Pope Francis referred to as the “culture of temporariness”, which diminishes the “forever” of marriage. Many struggle to understand not only the meaning of the sacrament, but of any indissoluble bond.

This is why, from a pastoral perspective, it is essential to invest in formation programmes that help people grasp the richness of an exclusive relationship –one that takes a lifetime to grow into its fullness.

Explore in every cultural and geographic setting the idea of reciprocal belonging

One aspect of the document that I find particularly meaningful, and that will need to be explored in every cultural and geographic setting, is the idea of reciprocal belonging between spouses. In real life, this can never and must never turn into one person possessing the other. It is a belonging-that-is-not-belonging, a unity that is always built on respect for two distinct dignities and two distinct freedoms – without erasing difference or individuality.

Prevent serious forms of violence and domination

This topic has pastoral implications that call us to foster mutual respect between men and women, so as to prevent serious forms of violence and domination – issues that today require a more determined pedagogical response, including from the Church.

Helping spouses become a source of life within their communities

We must urgently promote a healthy marriage unity, one that can truly be a path of growth and existential fulfilment for both spouses. They must be helped to understand they should not withdraw into their mutual love alone. Rather, they should open up so their relationship can become life-giving – not only within the family, but also within the community they live in, where they can become instruments of welcome and care for the most vulnerable, making their love even more fruitful.

Card. Kevin Farrell,

Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life