Today, an official of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) confirmed that the Holy Father himself has issued a statement outlining the conditions under which divorced and civilly remarried persons will be allowed to receive Holy Communion. Here is the relevant quote from the Pope’s document:
“Reconciliation in the sacrament of Penance which would open the way to the Eucharist, can only be granted to those who, repenting of having broken the sign of the Covenant and of fidelity to Christ, are sincerely ready to undertake a way of life that is no longer in contradiction to the indissolubility of marriage. This means, in practice, that when, for serious reasons, such as for example the children’s upbringing, a man and a woman cannot satisfy the obligation to separate, they take on themselves the duty to live in complete continence, that is, by abstinence from the acts proper to married couples.”
The Pope’s words and further explanation are contained in a document he has entitled Familiaris Consortio, dealing especially with issues facing the family. This Apostolic Exhortation was written following the synod of bishops meeting devoted to the family which ended on October 25th.
It is hoped that there will be time for the attendees of the next meeting of the synod of bishops to read and discuss the teachings in this important document.
UPDATE: If you are perhaps confused, you might check out my next post which clarifies a few things: Can the Divorced and Remarried Really Receive Communion