The Vatican has issued a new directive instructing Catholics around the world to refrain from calling the Virgin Mary “co-redeemer,” reaffirming that Jesus Christ alone is the Redeemer of humanity.
The guidance, contained in a recent decree approved by Pope Leo, revises several traditional Marian titles, including the popular terms “co-redemptrix” and “mediatrix.”
According to the document, while Mary’s role in salvation history remains deeply revered, it must always be understood as subordinate to Christ’s unique work of redemption.
“Given the need to clarify Mary’s subordinate role to Christ in the work of redemption, it is always inappropriate to use the title ‘Co-redemptrix’ to describe her cooperation,” the decree stated.
“This expression risks overshadowing Christ’s singular salvific mission and may cause confusion within the harmony of Christian truth. It does not serve the faith of the People of God and therefore becomes unhelpful.”
The Vatican stressed that neither Mary nor the Church can add to or complete the redemptive mission of Jesus, who remains the sole mediator between God and humanity.
Addressing the use of “mediatrix,” the decree explained that Scripture explicitly attributes the role of mediator exclusively to Christ.
While acknowledging that Mary acted as a channel of grace by giving birth to the Saviour, the document emphasised that her mediation was “real but clearly secondary.”
The Vatican noted that this clarification is consistent with longstanding Church teaching and not a new doctrine.
It recalled that Pope Francis had, on several occasions, dismissed the use of such titles for Mary.
“Christ is the Mediator, the bridge through which we reach the Father. He is the only Redeemer; there are no co-redeemers with Christ.
He is the Mediator par excellence,” Pope Francis said in 2021.
The new decree thus seeks to affirm traditional Catholic teaching on Mary’s place within salvation history, honouring her as the Mother of God and a model of faith, but not as one who shares Christ’s redemptive power.
