Officially designated by the Latin phrase “ratum non-consummatum,” the non-consummation cases are simply situations in which no completed sexual intercourse took place between the wedded couple.  The Church sees sexual intercourse as the final, necessary step for a indissoluble, sacramental marriage.  In such cases, the marriage can be dissolved even if both parties are baptized Christians.

These are difficult cases and are only resolved in Rome, because they are seen as an extension of the papal power growing out of the Privilege of the Faith.