The Vatican has issued a new directive instructing Catholics worldwide to stop referring to Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, as “co-redeemer,” affirming that only Jesus is the true Saviour of humanity.
The decree, approved by Pope Leo, revises several traditional Marian titles, including “co-redemptrix” and “mediatrix.” It explains that while Mary played a vital role in the story of salvation by giving birth to Christ, her role was entirely subordinate to His divine mission.
According to the document, the term “co-redeemer” risks causing confusion among the faithful by suggesting that Mary shares the same redemptive power as Christ. “Given the need to clarify Mary’s subordinate role to Christ in the work of redemption, it is always inappropriate to use the title ‘Co-redemptrix’ to define Mary’s cooperation,” the Vatican stated.
The decree further emphasises that neither the Church nor Mary can replace or complete the saving work of Jesus, who alone bridges humanity and God. It notes that Mary’s intercession and cooperation were genuine expressions of faith and obedience but remain entirely secondary to Christ’s sacrifice.
“Christ is the Mediator, the bridge we cross to reach the Father. He is the only Redeemer—there are no co-redeemers with Him,” Pope Francis had similarly remarked in 2021, a statement now reinforced by this decree.
The Vatican says the clarification aims to preserve the purity of Christian teaching and reaffirm the centrality of Jesus Christ in the work of salvation. 
