The Vatican has issued new guidance reaffirming that Catholics should have only one spouse, emphasizing monogamy as central to a happy and faithful life. Approved by Pope Leo, the directive from the Church’s top theological office urges its 1.4 billion followers worldwide to commit to a single partner and avoid multiple sexual relationships. The statement criticizes the practice of polygamy, particularly prevalent among some Catholic communities in Africa, asserting that marriage is a lifelong union between one man and one woman based on equality and mutual commitment. The document does not address same-sex marriage but highlights the 'beauty and sacredness' of traditional marriage. The guidance follows heated debates at Vatican conferences in 2023 and 2024, where bishops and cardinals discussed how to uphold Catholic teachings amid changing cultural norms. The Church reiterated that while marriage is indissoluble, annulments may be granted if a union was invalid, and no one should remain in abusive relationships.