A new Vatican decree approved by Pope Leo has revised several traditional titles used by Catholics to refer to Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Among the widely used titles in the Catholic faith are “co-redemptrix” and “mediatrix.”
For centuries, Catholics have prayed to Mary for intercession through the rosary, viewing her as highly exalted due to her role in giving birth to Christ.
In the decree released on Tuesday, the Vatican clarified that Mary’s contribution to salvation was secondary to that of Christ.
“Given the necessity of explaining Mary’s subordinate role to Christ in the work of Redemption, it is always inappropriate to use the title ‘Co-redemptrix’ to define Mary’s cooperation,” the document stated.
“This title risks obscuring Christ’s unique salvific mediation and can therefore create confusion and an imbalance in the harmony of the truths of the Christian faith… it does not serve the faith of the People of God and becomes unhelpful.”
The Vatican emphasized that neither the Church nor Mary could replace or complete the redemptive mission of Jesus.
Regarding the use of “mediatrix,” the decree reaffirmed that the Bible establishes Christ as the sole mediator between God and humanity.
While acknowledging Mary’s role as the mother of Jesus, the document stressed that her mediation was carried out “in a clearly subordinate manner.”
The decree noted that these clarifications were consistent with previous teachings, referencing Pope Francis’s repeated objections to such titles.
“Christ is the Mediator, the bridge that we cross to turn to the Father. He is the only Redeemer: there are no co-redeemers with Christ. He is the Mediator par excellence,” Francis said in 2021.
“He is the Mediator. Each prayer we raise to God is through Christ, with Christ and in Christ, and is fulfilled thanks to his intercession,” he added the same year.
Pope Francis once dismissed the idea of naming Mary “co-redeemer,” describing it as “foolishness.”