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PONTIFICAL CHANCERY RADISLAV PP. I Clerical Marriage and Apostolic Integrity: Guidelines for Discerning Spousal Suitability within the Sacred Office Given at the Pontifical Court 27 May 2025. I. Introduction The married state of a cleric is not merely a personal matter. With-in the apostolic tradition — particularly for those ordained to Holy Orders — marriage is a public extension of the cleric’s vocation, sub-ject to ecclesial discernment and guidance. The Church must safe-guard the sanctity and stability of its apostolic servants by ensuring that any marital relationship strengthens rather than undermines the spiritual office to which the cleric has been entrusted. This decretal, therefore, provides clear criteria for evaluating the suitability of a cleric's spouse, both before and during marriage, as well as identifying risk factors that may warrant ecclesial interven-tion. It applies to all clerical ranks but recognizes the heightened symbolic and public weight carried by bishops and cardinals. II. The Cleric’s First Marriage: The Church By ordination, a cleric becomes mystically joined to the Church. This bond must remain primary and unshakable. A spouse must not only accept this reality — she must reverence it. This is an extension of the fact that, in a Christian marriage, God must be first. The marriage of a cleric is therefore not simply sacramental in the domestic sense, but representational in the ecclesiastical sense. The spouse participates, directly or indirectly, in the public witness, disci-pline, and decorum of the Church. Her actions, words, beliefs, and associations reflect upon the cleric’s integrity and thus upon the Church herself. III. Characteristics of a Suitable Clerical Spouse A spouse is suitable when she: 1. Is a professed Christian. 2. Holds the Church in esteem, even if not a communicant member. 3. Understands and respects her husband’s ordination vows, schedule, liturgical life, and ecclesiastical authori-ty 4. Presents herself with discretion and dignity, avoiding controversial public behaviors or speech 5. Does not attempt to control theological positions or ec-clesial affiliations 6. Demonstrates supportive neutrality if personal beliefs differ on matters outside defined dogma For bishops, the standards are even more stringent. The spouse must be fully capable of carrying herself in a manner that does not detract from or distract the dignity of the episcopal office. IV. Matters of Concern that Require Immediate Ecclesial Discernment The following signs of warning are among those that indicate that a cleric's marriage may be compromising his sacred office: 1. Spousal hostility toward the Church, liturgy, or other clergy 2. Public embarrassment or scandal originating from the spouse 3. The spouse mocking or diminishing the cleric’s sacred title or those of any other cleric of the Church 4. Attempts to redirect theology, public statements, or pol-icy by emotional or social manipulation 5. Ideological militancy, particularly in areas where Church tradition is clear (e.g., ordination, morality, ecumenical boundaries) 6. Pressuring the cleric to resign, alter office, or step back from public ministry 7. Interference from the spouse’s family that introduces tension, manipulation, or doctrinal hostility V. Recommended Responses and Procedures Depending on the severity, one or more of the following actions may be taken by appropriate ecclesiastical authority, being first the cleric’s jurisdictional bishop or higher authority if necessary: 1. Delay or deny clerical elevation or ordination if spousal alignment with the Church is unclear or unfit 2. Require spiritual counseling or theological instruction for the spouse 3. Assign reduced public responsibilities to the cleric until marriage stability is confirmed 4. Initiate confidential curial review in cases where the marriage threatens the Church’s public integrity If all pastoral measures fail, the bishop or the Holy Apostolic See may deem the cleric temporarily or permanently unsuited for ecclesi-astical service. VI. The Extra Burden of Higher Clerics For bishops and other higher clergy, any spousal instability is magnified, because their life is not only public, but symbolic. A bish-op’s wife who causes confusion or contradicts tradition may cause irreparable damage to public trust and sacred continuity. The Church must be willing to suspend, transfer, or release a bish-op whose marriage undermines the dignity of his office. This is not cruelty — it is pastoral discipline in defense of the flock. VII. Conclusion A cleric’s marriage should be a sanctuary. A bishop’s marriage should be a cathedral. If either becomes a battleground, the Church must intervene to protect the altar. Ecclesiastical leadership must show both compassion and clarity when discerning clerical marriages. The stakes are eternal, not just interpersonal.
[Chancery] [Curia]
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