Picnews
The Vatican has officially instructed Catholics worldwide to stop referring to Mary, the mother of Jesus, as “co-redeemer”, emphasizing that Jesus Christ alone saved humanity from sin. This decision aims to clarify that Mary’s role, although revered, is subordinate to Christ’s redemptive work.
The Vatican’s doctrinal office, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, released a decree stressing that titles like “co-redemptrix” or “co-mediatrix” risk obscuring Jesus’ unique salvific mediation and creating confusion within the Christian faith.
The decree highlights Mary’s importance as the Mother of God and a model of faith, but stresses that her role is supportive, not equal to Christ’s. Pope Francis and previous popes, including Benedict XVI, had expressed opposition to the title, with Francis calling it “foolishness” in 2019. This decision settles a long-standing debate within the Catholic Church, providing clarity on Marian devotion and reaffirming Jesus’ exclusive role in salvation.
The Vatican’s move is seen as a significant development in Catholic theology, as it provides official guidance on how to refer to Mary in relation to Jesus’ redemptive work. The decision is expected to have implications for Catholic devotion and worship, particularly in countries with strong Marian traditions. By clarifying Mary’s role, the Vatican aims to promote a deeper understanding of Christ’s central role in salvation and foster unity among Catholics worldwide.
