The Catholic Church does not recognize civil 'divorce.' As Jesus said, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and the woman who divorces her husband and marries another commits adultery." (Mk 10, 11-12) Thus, it is clear that
it is a mortal sin to be divorced, for the sixth commandment states, "Thou shalt not
commit adultery." Those in mortal sin may not receive Holy Communion, those who do
commit another mortal sin, the sin of sacriledge and receive no graces. Our Lord does
not wish to be received by those who severely offend Him. One in the state of mortal sin
goes to hell on death, unless the sin is confessed and the person amends his life. Thus,
those living in adulterous unions (remarriage) must confess their sins and separate from
their new 'spouse,' either returning to their old spouse, or staying separate. Either
way, the 'divorcees' are still married and thus are bound by the commandments of that
state, not to commit adultery. Sadly, many people die and go to hell simply because
they 'remarried.'