The possibility of remarriage within the Catholic Church following a civil divorce is a complex issue governed by Canon Law. A civil divorce, in itself, does not dissolve a marriage in the eyes of the Church. The Church views marriage as a sacrament, a sacred and binding union intended to last for life. Therefore, individuals who have been civilly divorced are not automatically free to remarry within the Catholic Church.
The permanence of marriage is a core tenet of Catholic teaching, rooted in Scripture and tradition. This teaching safeguards the dignity of marriage and protects the stability of families. However, the Church recognizes that not all unions are valid marriages from the outset. Factors such as lack of free consent, hidden impediments, or a serious defect in the form of the marriage ceremony can render a marriage invalid. Therefore, the Church provides processes to investigate these situations.