Final answer:
The Catholic Church considers marriage a sacrament and a lifelong, exclusive union between a man and a woman that is established by God and reflects the union of Christ with the Church.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Catholic Church views marriage as a sacrament, a sacred institution established by God. It is considered a covenant that not only unites the couple but also brings them closer to God. Marriage within the Catholic faith is meant to be a lifelong, exclusive commitment between a man and a woman. It serves multiple purposes, including the procreation and education of children, mutual support and the unity of the spouses, and as a sign of the covenant between Christ and the Church. To be considered valid in the eyes of the Church, it must be entered into freely, faithfully, fruitfully (open to the prospect of children), and as a permanent union.
The Catholic Church teaches that marriage is more than a civil contract; it is a sacred bond that reflects the union of Jesus Christ with the Church. This religious dimension emphasizes the indissoluble nature of marriage, meaning that it cannot be broken, and the Church strongly discourages divorce. In specific circumstances, the Church has a process called annulment, which is a declaration that a marriage was not valid from the start according to Church law. Economic disputes in marriage are to be resolved fairly and justly, with consideration of both parties, though specific edicts vary by situation and are not detailed in Catholic doctrine.