The Vatican has issued a fresh clarification on Catholic teaching, directing that Mary, the mother of Jesus, should no longer be described as “co-redemptrix”, stressing that Christ alone is responsible for humanity’s redemption.
The doctrinal guidance, approved by Pope Leo, reviewed long-used Marian titles, including “co-redemptrix” and “mediatrix”. It emphasised that while Mary occupies a revered and unique place in Christian history, her role in salvation remains secondary to that of Christ.
“Given the need to explain Mary’s subordinate role to Christ in the work of redemption, it is always inappropriate to use the title ‘co-redemptrix’,” the decree stated, adding that the term risks “obscuring Christ’s unique and definitive act of salvation”.
On the title “mediatrix”, the Vatican acknowledged that Mary’s motherhood enabled the coming of Christ, but reaffirmed that the Bible identifies Jesus alone as the mediator between God and humanity.
The decree also noted that the position is not new, pointing to earlier statements by the late Pope Francis, who consistently rejected efforts to elevate Mary’s role beyond what doctrine allows.
“Christ is the only Redeemer. There are no co-redeemers with Christ,” Francis said in 2021, describing attempts to bestow such a title on Mary as “foolishness”.
The Vatican said the clarification is intended to guide devotional language and ensure that veneration of Mary does not overshadow the essential Christian belief that salvation comes solely through Jesus Christ.
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