Divorced and remarried barred from Communion (Vatican).

In August, the Pontifical Council for the Interpretation of Liturgical texts has reminded divorced and remarried Catholics that they cannot go to Communion. "This is to safeguard the sacraments of the Eucharist and Matrimony, instituted by Christ for the sanctification of the faithful and the salvation of the world," stated the Council's president, Bishop Julian Herranz.

"It was necessary to recall the sacred character of the Eucharist, of the reception of the Body and Blood of Christ, and ... one must prepare adequately for it. But the present tendency is not to make an appropriate examination of conscience. St. Paul recommended to the Corinthians that they should not receive communion 'unworthily,' and this is precisely what the declaration is reminding" the faithful of. The Bishop also emphasized the beauty of Christian matrimony, "the great victory of Christianity in face of a pagan mentality and its idea of a precarious love."

The declaration made clear that this is not a new prohibition but something derived from divine law, which therefore transcends the domain of positive ecclesiastical law--which cannot introduce legislative changes opposing the doctrine of the Church. Given that the matter has been clearly revealed by God, the Church has no power to make changes. It is necessary for pastors to act, with as much patience as firmness, to explain the reasons for the refusal and to safeguard the sanctity of the sacraments and defend Christian morality.