The Vatican has issued a new directive instructing Catholics worldwide to stop calling Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, “co-redeemer.”
The decree, approved by Pope Leo, emphasizes that only Jesus Christ is the true Saviour and Redeemer of the world.
The document revises several traditional Marian titles, including the popular terms “co-redemptrix” and “mediatrix.”
According to the decree, Mary played a subordinate role in humanity’s salvation and must not be placed on the same level as Christ.
“Given the necessity of explaining Mary’s subordinate role to Christ in the work of Redemption, it is inappropriate to use the title ‘Co-redemptrix’ to define Mary’s cooperation,” the decree stated.
It warned that the use of such titles risks confusing believers and could distort core Christian truths by diminishing Christ’s unique role in salvation.
The Vatican also reaffirmed that neither the Church nor Mary can replace or complete Jesus’ redemptive work.
On the term “mediatrix,” the Vatican clarified that while Mary’s role in bringing Christ into the world was significant, it was “clearly subordinate” to Jesus’ divine mediation.
Scripture, it added, confirms that Christ alone is the Mediator between God and humanity.
The decree explained that the clarification does not introduce a new doctrine but reinforces what the Church has always taught.
It also cited former Pope Francis, who had previously rejected these titles on several occasions.
“Christ is the Mediator, the bridge that we cross to reach the Father. He is the only Redeemer: there are no co-redeemers with Christ,” Francis had declared in 2021.
The Vatican’s decision aims to correct what it calls “devotional exaggerations” that could mislead the faithful about the hierarchy of divine roles.
This latest decree underscores the Church’s renewed effort to ensure that Catholic teachings remain faithful to biblical truth and doctrinal balance.