If a valid Christian marriage has taken place and has been followed with marital intercourse, the union is lifelong; it cannot be dissolved except by death. But if, after a valid Christian marriage, there has been no intercourse (in Latin, matrimonium ratum sed non consummatum, a marriage made but not consummated), such a marriage may be entirely dissolved by a special act of the pope at the request of one or both of the parties, or because one or both intend to make a solemn vow of religious profession.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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