The Vatican has issued a directive to Catholics worldwide, instructing them to refrain from referring to Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, as “co-redeemer.” This move emphasizes the unique role of Jesus as the Saviour of the world. The instruction is part of a new Vatican decree approved by Pope Francis, which revises the traditional titles used to describe Mary, including “co-redemptrix” and “mediatrix.”
The decree clarifies that Mary played a subordinate role in the work of salvation, and the use of the title “Co-redemptrix” may obscure Christ’s unique salvific mediation, potentially creating confusion and imbalance in the Christian faith. The Vatican affirms that neither the Church nor Mary can replace or perfect the redemptive work of Jesus. The decree also addresses the use of “mediatrix,” explaining that while Mary fulfilled a genuine mediatory role by enabling the birth of Christ, her participation was in a clearly subordinate manner.
The Vatican notes that these clarifications are not new, as the late Pope Francis had previously rejected the use of such titles on at least three occasions. In 2021, Pope Francis stated, “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.” This directive aims to reaffirm the central role of Jesus in the Christian faith and prevent any misinterpretation of Mary’s role in the salvation narrative.
The revised titles are part of an effort to ensure a precise understanding of the Christian doctrine, avoiding any potential confusion or misrepresentation of the faith’s core teachings. By emphasizing Jesus’ unique role as the Saviour, the Vatican seeks to maintain the integrity and coherence of the Christian message. This development is significant, as it underscores the importance of accurate representation and interpretation of religious doctrine, ensuring that the faithful adhere to the core principles of their faith.
