Dear Morgan,

Thanks for the question.

Yes, they can receive. The restriction on reception only applies to those remarried without a declaration of nullity (an annulment). So if someone divorced and then remarried without getting the first marriage declared null, for valid reasons, then in the eyes of the Church and more importantly, God, they are committing adultery and the reception of Holy Communion would be a grave sin, like a betrayal.

It would sort of be like cheating on your wife, divorcing her, marrying your mistress and then hugging and kissing your ex—'s mom, like nothing ever happened.

Hope that helps.

Peace,

Bob Kirby