The Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has formally instructed Catholics across the world to refrain from referring to the Virgin Mary as “Co-Redeemer” or “Co-Redemptrix,” clarifying that such titles misrepresent established Church teaching on redemption.
In a theological note released on November 4, 2025, the Dicastery reaffirmed that Jesus Christ remains the sole Redeemer of humanity, and that while Mary’s role as the Mother of Christ is deeply venerated, it must not be equated with divine redemption. The document emphasizes that Mary’s participation in salvation history is unique but derivative, and must never be placed on the same level as that of Christ.
This directive follows years of debate within Catholic circles, where some Marian groups had pressed for official recognition of Mary as Co-Redemptrix. Vatican officials stressed that such language risks theological confusion, undermining the centrality of Christ’s sacrifice in Christian belief.
Pope Francis, in earlier remarks, had described the title as “foolishness,” noting that while Mary intercedes for believers, she does not share in Christ’s divine redemptive power. The new statement now settles the issue formally, requiring liturgical and catechetical materials to reflect the clarified teaching.
