New Vatican Doctrinal Note Discourages 'Co-redemptrix' Title For Mary; "Only Jesus Saves"
VATICAN City—The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) today released a significant Doctrinal Note, Mater Populi Fidelis ("Mother of the Faithful People of God"), which clarifies the acceptable language for Marian titles related to her cooperation in the work of salvation. The document firmly advises against the formal use of the term "Co-redemptrix" and urges caution regarding certain expressions of the title "Mediatrix."
The Note, approved by Pope Leo XIV on 7 October and signed by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, provides a theological synthesis following decades of petitions regarding new Marian dogmas or titles. Its primary aim is to safeguard the unique and central role of Jesus Christ as the sole Redeemer and Mediator.
Major Constraint: The Rejection of 'Co-redemptrix'
The document definitively discourages the use of "Co-redemptrix," arguing that the term risks diminishing the singular nature of Christ's saving work.
The Note states directly, "Given the necessity of explaining Mary's subordinate role to Christ in the work of Redemption, it would not be appropriate to use the title 'Co-redemptrix' to define Mary's cooperation."
It warns that the title "...risks obscuring Christ's unique salvific mediation and can therefore create confusion and an imbalance in the harmony of the truths of the Christian faith, for 'there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.'"
The DDF’s text emphasizes that Mary's incomparable greatness lies in what she has received from Christ, the Redeemer, and not a parallel role in the process of redemption.
Caution on 'Mediatrix of All Graces'
The Note also advises a nuanced approach to titles related to mediation. While it accepts the term "Mediatrix" when understood in a subordinate and analogical sense as simple maternal intercession, it cautions against the more expansive forms.
According to the DDF, the expression "Mediatrix of all graces" must be avoided, as "...suggests that grace necessarily passes 'through' Mary, creating the idea of an independent or parallel distribution of grace with respect to Christ."
The DDF emphasizes that Mary is not the source of grace, but the one who is "full of grace," making her role dispositive (preparing hearts), not causal (generating grace).
Affirmation of Maternal Titles, Including 'Mother of God'
In contrast to the problematic titles, the Mater Populi Fidelis strongly encourages titles that speak of Mary's central role as a mother and intercessor to the faithful.
The Note explicitly confirms and supports the continued use of traditional and well-established titles, including the highest honor given to the Virgin Mary: "Mother of God."
The document also commends other approved titles that reflect her maternal care and intercessory function:
Mother of the Faithful People of God
Mother of the Church
Advocate
Help of Christians
The overall message is that authentic Marian devotion is a treasure of the Church, but it must be kept in profound fidelity to the mystery of Christ as the sole Mediator and Redeemer.
The Doctrinal Note was "Given in Rome, at the offices of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, on 4 November 2025, Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo."
