INTAMS

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A Reference for Scholars and Practitioners

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on Marriage, Families, Spirituality and Related Issues

New Developments in
Theology and Canon Law on Marriage 

INTAMS Research Report (download full text here)

During an International Study Day on 12 May 2026 in Rome, jointly organised with the John Paul II Pontifical Theological Institute for Marriage and Family Sciences (Rome), INTAMS has officially launched its Research Report entitled The Theology of Marriage after Vatican II: Theological and Canonical Perspectives.

This report presents the outcome of a six-year interdisciplinary research project conducted by an international group of experts (theologians and canon lawyers).

The Report explores how the theology and canon law of marriage can be further developed and brought into closer alignment with the theology of marriage after Vatican II, in order to better address the lived realities of spouses today in light of Amoris laetitia.

What does it mean to speak of marriage today in a Church still coming to terms with the vision of the Second Vatican Council? Grounded in a person-centred, pastoral approach, this study offers a re-examination of the theology of marriage, bringing together theological insight and canonical analysis while understanding marriage as a dynamic, life-giving communion of love. At its heart lies the vision of Vatican II, still compelling and unfinished, yet continuing to shape the Church’s self-understanding. Attentive to the lived realities of couples and families, the contributors engage with current Church teachings and norms, highlighting areas where development and greater pastoral sensitivity are needed. No easy answers are offered here.
Instead, the reader is invited into a process of dialogue and discernment in which tradition is not abandoned but allowed to grow.

Free Downloads of the Research Report (PDF):

Full edition (English)

Preview edition (English)

Preview edition (Italian)

Preview edition (French)

To order a print copy of the Research Report (English), write to info@intams.org
(10 euro + shipping costs)

Questions? Comments? Inquiries?

Write to info@intams.org

The Authors

Thomas Knieps-Port le Roi: Professor em. and former holder of the Chair for the Study of Marriage and Spirituality, Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, KU Leuven.

Kevin Schembri: Head of the Department of Pastoral Theology, Liturgy and Canon Law, University of Malta.

Johan De Tavernier: Professor Em. of Theological Ethics and former Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, KU Leuven.

Advisory Expert Group

Emmanuel Agius, University of Malta
Aldegonde Brenninkmeijer-Werhahn, INTAMS, Brussels
Patrick Connolly, University of Limerick
Eva-Maria Faber, Theologische Hochschule Chur
Judith Hahn, Universität Bonn
Astrid Kaptijn, Université de Fribourg
Shaji G. Kochuthara CMI, Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram Bangalore
Martin M. Lintner OSM, Philosophisch-Theol. Hochschule Brixen
Adrian Loretan, Universität Luzern
Sigrid Müller, Universität Wien
Agbonkhianmeghe E. Orobator, SJ, Santa Clara University
Jochen Sautermeister, Universität Bonn
† Eberhard Schockenhoff, Universität Freiburg

External Experts Consulted

Paul Beré SJ, Pontificio Istituto Biblico, Rome
Philippe Bordeyne, Pont. Istituto Teol. Giovanni Paolo II, Rome
Bertrand Dumas, Université de Strasbourg
John D. Faris, Catholic University of America
Konrad Glombik, University of Opole
Claudia Leal Luna, Pont. Istituto Teol. Giovanni Paolo II, Rome
Jan Loffeld, Tilburg University
Angèle Makiang, Université Catholique d’Afrique Centrale
Nathalie & Christian Mignonat, Institut Pastoral d’Études Religieuses, Lyon
Serena Noceti, Facoltà Teologica dell’Italia Centrale, Firenze
Francesco Pesce, Pont. Istituto Teol. Giovanni Paolo II, Rome
Nenad Polgar, KU Leuven
Todd A. Salzman, Creighton University
Kerstin Schlögl-Flierl, Universität Augsburg
Martin Stowasser, Universität Wien
Vimal Tirimanna CSsR, Pontifical Accademia Alfonsiana, Rome

Official presention of INTAMS Research Report, Rome, 12 May 2026 :


Marriage, Families & Spirituality  Vol. 31/2 (2025)

Marriage, Families & Spirituality Vol. 31/2 (2025)

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Read all articles in Open Access

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!! OPEN ACCESS !!

!! OPEN ACCESS !!

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Marriage, Families & Spirituality is now fully and freely available in Open Access.

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