Vatican Clarifies Marian Titles, Says ‘Co-Redemptrix’ and ‘Mediatrix’ Not Appropriate

Vatican City, November 4, 2025: The Vatican’s doctrinal office stated on Tuesday that the titles “Co-Redemptrix” and “Mediatrix” are not appropriate ways to describe the Blessed Virgin Mary’s participation in salvation.

In its document Mater Populi Fidelis (“The Mother of the Faithful People of God”), the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) noted that while Mary is the foremost collaborator in the work of redemption and grace, the expression “Co-Redemptrix” can risk overshadowing the unique and exclusive role of Jesus Christ.

“The expression ‘Co-Redemptrix’ does not help extol Mary as the first and foremost collaborator in the work of Redemption and grace, for it carries the risk of eclipsing the exclusive role of Jesus Christ,” the doctrinal note explained. The document, signed by DDF Prefect Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, was approved by Pope Leo XIV on October 7 and released on November 4.

The note acknowledged that the title “Co-Redemptrix” has long been a matter of theological debate, with some proposing it as a dogma, while critics argue it overstates Mary’s role in salvation and may hinder ecumenical unity with other Christian denominations.

In the preface, Cardinal Fernández wrote that the document responds to questions the dicastery received in recent decades concerning Marian devotion and titles, clarifying which are acceptable. He cautioned that certain Marian expressions—especially those promoted intensely on social media—can cause confusion among Catholics.

“This text aims to deepen the proper foundations of Marian devotion by specifying Mary’s place in her relationship with believers in light of the Mystery of Christ as the sole Mediator and Redeemer,” Fernández wrote. He added that this understanding demands fidelity to Catholic identity while encouraging ecumenical harmony.

The document also addressed the Marian title “Mediatrix” or “Mediatrix of All Graces”, concluding that such terms “have limits that do not favour a correct understanding of Mary’s unique place.” Instead, it encouraged the faithful to use expressions that highlight Mary’s motherhood, such as “Mother of God” and “Mother of the Faithful People of God.”

“She is the Mother who gave the world the Author of Redemption and Grace, who stood firm at the foot of the cross, suffering alongside her Son and offering the pain of her maternal heart pierced by the sword,” the DDF wrote. “From the Incarnation to the Resurrection, she was united to Christ in a way that far surpasses any other believer.”

The document emphasised that Mary was saved by her Son “in a particular and anticipatory way,” and her greatness lies in her openness to God’s grace and readiness to be overtaken by the Holy Spirit.

It concluded with a warning: “When we strive to attribute active roles to her that are parallel to those of Christ, we move away from the incomparable beauty that is uniquely hers.”

Source : CNA

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