Vatican Directs Catholics to Drop Title ‘Co-Redeemer’ for Mary, Says “Christ Is the Only Redeemer”

The Vatican has issued a new decree approved by Pope Leo XIV instructing Catholics to stop using traditional titles such as “Co-Redemptrix” and “Mediatrix” for the Virgin Mary. The statement clarifies that while Mary holds a special place in salvation history as the mother of Jesus, her role remains subordinate to Christ’s redemptive work.

According to the decree, referring to Mary as “Co-Redemptrix” risks confusing the faithful by implying she shares equally in the saving act of Jesus. “It is always inappropriate to use the title ‘Co-Redemptrix’ to define Mary’s cooperation,” the text stated, explaining that the term can “create confusion and imbalance” in the understanding of Christian doctrine.

Reaffirming biblical teaching, the Vatican emphasized that Jesus Christ alone mediates between God and humanity. Though Mary’s spiritual influence as “Mediatrix” is acknowledged, the decree stressed that she fulfills this role “in a clearly subordinate manner.”

The clarification echoes past statements from Pope Francis, who previously dismissed the title “Co-Redemptrix” as “foolishness.” He declared in 2021, “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.”

The Vatican concluded that neither Mary nor the Church can add to or complete Christ’s redemptive work, reaffirming the central place of Jesus in the faith and worship of the Catholic Church.