A Vatican dicastery has taken the unusual step of issuing a public
denial that it is preparing a document on the reception of Communion by
divorced and remarried Catholics. The Pontifical Council for the Family issued an announcement on April 25 that "there is no basis to the news, circulated by some press agencies, that a document on distributing communion to remarried divorced persons is being prepared."
Some reports, citing anonymous Vatican sources, had claimed that a document on that topic would soon be released.
Especially in Europe, liberal Catholics have argued strongly for a change in Church law, which bars Catholics who are divorced and remarried (without annulment of the earlier marriage) from receiving the Eucharist.
Pope Benedict XVI called for new outreach to divorced and remarried Catholics, urging priests to include them in pastoral plans.
Last October, the Synod of Bishops confirmed the need for pastoral care of Catholics living in irregular marital situations.