Is there hope for divorced Catholics

As a divorced and happily remarried Catholic, I know I may not receive Communion. I have discussed this with a bishop and several priests and I fully understand the reasons. But these clergy are divided on whether the Church will permit persons in my position to receive Communion some time in the future. I am not hopeful. Any comment? Salome

In his interview on the flight back from Rio de Janeiro’s World Youth Day this year, Pope Francis was asked whether there was the possibility of a change in the Church’s discipline on divorce and remarriage.

He replied that divorce and remarriage has become a problem for everyone, needing to be looked at closely within the context of the pastoral care of marriage. The problem will be discussed at the Synod of Bishops that will meet in in the Vatican in October of next year.

The pope has shown his concern for hurting Catholics in new unions after their divorce. From his general approach to pastoral care, he may want to remove the perception that divorced, remarried Catholics may not receive Communion because they are being punished. Denied Communion in these cases is not primarily a punitive measure.

So, what areas could the Synod of Bishops examine? The question of validity is the obvious one, because the Church presumes that a valid, sacramental marriage remains valid until proven otherwise. Those who attempt another marriage while the first is valid, act unlawfully.

Certain influences such as emotional immaturity, social pressure, fear, force or fraud can influence a spouse’s free will, and when marital consent is not given freely, despite the outward show of it, the union is null and void. Attempts to prove the nullity of a marriage require time in an ecclesiastical tribunal. Pope Francis suggested that this side of the matter would also need more attention. He noted that many couples do not fully appreciate that marriage is a life-long commitment.

Although the pope mentioned in passing the practice in the Orthodox Church of permitting second marriage after divorce, he offered no word of approval but said it would be looked at by the cardinals.

It seems, then, that many different suggestions will be discussed by the Synod of Bishops. Meanwhile, Archbishop Gerhard Müller, prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Doctrine, has reminded us that for now nothing has changed in terms of the position of remarried divorcees.

The pope wants the Church to show the compassionate face of Christ to all. He is sure to make the best use of the conclusions reached by the Council of Cardinals.