The Vatican has issued a new decree approved by Pope Leo, adjusting how Catholics should refer to Mary, the mother of Jesus, in matters of salvation. The document clarifies long-debated titles often used in Catholic devotion, particularly “co-redemptrix” and “mediatrix,” stating that these terms should no longer be used in ways that suggest Mary shares equal authority with Christ in the work of redemption.
For centuries, Catholics have honoured Mary with titles meant to show respect for her unique role as the mother of Jesus. Many also pray through her using the rosary, believing she intercedes for them before God. However, the new decree emphasises that Mary’s role, while important, remains secondary to Christ.
In the decree released on Tuesday, the Vatican explained that calling Mary “co-redemptrix” is misleading and can cause confusion about the core Christian belief that Jesus alone is responsible for the salvation of humanity.
“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.
The Vatican added that using such a title could “obscure Christ’s unique salvific mediation” and create an “imbalance” in the understanding of Christian faith. The Church stressed that neither Mary nor the Church itself can replace or improve on the redemption already completed by Christ.
On the title “mediatrix,” the decree noted that while Mary did play a real and significant role in bringing Christ into the world, her role should still be viewed as supportive and secondary. The document highlighted that the Bible makes it clear that Jesus is the sole mediator between God and humanity.
The Vatican also pointed out that this position is not new. The late Pope Francis spoke strongly against the misuse of such titles on several occasions. In 2021, he stated:
“Christ is the Mediator… the only Redeemer: there are no co-redeemers with Christ.”
He once referred to efforts to call Mary a “co-redeemer” as “foolishness.”
The new decree aims to bring clarity to Catholic teaching, ensuring that devotion to Mary remains respectful and meaningful—without overshadowing the central role of Christ in salvation.
