The Catholic Church generally prohibits remarriage after divorce unless the first marriage was declared null (annulled) by the Church. Remarriage outside the Church is considered an adulterous situation.
Here are a few ways a man in this situation could potentially be buried with a Mass in the Catholic Church:
* Annulment of the First Marriage: If the man obtained an annulment of his first marriage *after* his second marriage, and then remained in good standing with the Church after that, he would be eligible for a funeral Mass. An annulment is a declaration by the Church that a valid marriage never existed in the first place, due to some impediment at the time of the marriage vows.
* Death of the Second Spouse and Reconciliation: If the man's second spouse predeceased him, and he had returned to the sacraments (Confession and Holy Communion) after the death of his second spouse, showing sincere repentance for living in a state not in accordance with Church teaching, he might be eligible for a funeral Mass. This would depend on the pastor's judgment of his sincerity and his demonstrated commitment to the Church's teachings in his final years.
* Repentance on Deathbed: If the man was unable to reconcile during his life due to circumstances, but expressed sincere repentance on his deathbed and a desire to be reconciled with the Church, a priest might administer the sacraments (if possible) and his funeral could be held with a Mass. This is a matter of pastoral discretion.
* Pastoral Discretion: Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to celebrate a funeral Mass for someone in this situation rests with the local pastor. The pastor will consider the individual's overall relationship with the Church, their apparent level of faith, any signs of repentance, and the potential scandal that might be caused by a public funeral Mass. The pastor may consult with the bishop for guidance.
* Funeral Service Outside of Mass: Even if a funeral Mass is not possible, a Catholic funeral service (a liturgy outside of Mass) can still be celebrated. This service would include prayers for the deceased and comforting words for the family. It is a way to commend the deceased to God's mercy without implying that the Church approves of the situation of the second marriage.
It's important to remember that the Church's primary concern is the salvation of souls. Pastoral decisions are made with this in mind, striving to balance mercy and truth. The family should speak openly and honestly with the priest to explain the situation and understand the available options.