Does the Church allow two men and two women to be baptism godparents?
The Code of Canon Law states very clearly:
Canon 872 – “When being baptized, as long as possible, a godparent should be given, who is responsible for accompanying the adult being baptized in Christian initiation and, together with the parents, presenting the child being baptized for baptism. It is also up to him to help the baptized person lead a life in accordance with baptism and faithfully fulfill the inherent obligations.”
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Canon 873 – Only one godfather or one godmother is permitted, or also one godfather and one godmother.
So, it is clear that two men or two women cannot be godparents at a child’s baptism.
Other requirements to be a godparent
I would like to take this opportunity to mention here other requirements that the Code requires for someone to be a godfather or godmother at a baptism.
Canon 874 – § 1. For someone to be admitted to assume the role of godparent, it is necessary that:
1st – is designated by the person being baptized, by their parents or by those who act as them, or, in their absence, by the parish priest or minister himself, and has the ability and intention to fulfill this task;
2nd – Has reached the age of sixteen, unless another age has been determined by the diocesan Bishop, or it appears to the parish priest or minister that an exception should be admitted for just cause;
3rd – be Catholic, confirmed, have already received the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist and lead a life in accordance with the faith and the role you will assume;
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4° – has not been subject to any canonical penalty legitimately granted or declared;
5th – do not be the father or mother of the person being baptized.
§ 2. The baptized person belonging to a non-Catholic ecclesiastical community is only admitted together with a Catholic godparent, who will only be a witness to the baptism.
Canon 875 – If there is no godparent, the one who administers baptism must ensure that there is at least one witness by whom the administration of baptism can be proven.
Canon 876 – To prove the administration of baptism, if no harm is caused to anyone, the statement of a single witness beyond suspicion, or the oath of the baptized person himself, if he received baptism at an adult age, is sufficient.
Canon 892 – As long as possible, assist the person being confirmed by a godparent, who is responsible for ensuring that the person being confirmed behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the obligations inherent to this sacrament.
Felipe Aquino
Professor Felipe Aquino is a widower, father of five children. On TV , he presents the program “Escola da Fé” and “Pergunte e Responderemos”, on Radio he presents the program “No Coração da Igreja”. On weekends he holds in-depth meetings throughout Brazil and abroad. He wrote 73 books on Catholic formation for publishers Cléofas, Loyola and. Teacher page: and Twitter: