The term ratum sed non consummatum (Latin: ratified but not consummated) or ratum et non consummatum[1] (Latin: ratified and not consummated) refers to a juridical-sacramental category of marriage in Catholic matrimonial canon law. If a matrimonial celebration takes place (ratification) but the spouses have not yet engaged in intercourse (consummation), then the marriage is said to be a marriage ratum sed non consummatum. The Tribunal of the Roman Rota has exclusive competence to dispense from marriages ratum sed non consummatum,[2] which can only be granted for a "just reason".[3] This process should not be confused with the process for declaring the nullity of marriage, which is treated of in a separate title of the 1983 Code of Canon Law.
- ^ Quaerit semper Latin original, accessed 18 September 2018
- ^ MP Quaerit semper, Vatican.va, accessed 7-7-2014
- ^ Code of Canon Law Annotated, pg. 1327 (commentary on canon 1698)