Pope Leo XIV clarifies proper role of Mary in redemption
Catholics have long debated Mary’s role in the salvation of mankind. Pope Leo XIV recently made his position clear. A decree from his office said Jesus alone redeemed humanity by his crucifixion and death.
In a lengthy note titled “Mater Populi Fidelis” or “Mother of the Faithful People of God,” the Vatican’s doctrinal office instructed Catholics to no longer give her the title of “co-redemptrix” or “co-redeemer,” because it “carries the risk of eclipsing the exclusive role of Jesus Christ” as savior. The decree was approved by Pope Leo and signed by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández.
“She is the mother who gave the world the author of redemption and of grace, who stood firm at the foot of the cross (cf. John 19:25), suffering alongside her son and offering the pain of her maternal heart pierced by the sword (cf. Luke 2:35),” the document said. “From the incarnation to the cross and the resurrection, she was united to Christ in a way that is unique and that far surpasses any other believer. Mary’s incomparable greatness lies in what she has received and in her trusting readiness to allow herself to be overtaken by the spirit.”
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According to the Catholic News Agency, the title “co-redemptrix” has been a point of debate for decades. Some Catholics have called for Mary’s title to be declared dogma, while opponents say it exaggerates her importance and could isolate Catholics among other Christian denominations. The late Pope Francis also strongly opposed granting Mary the title of “co-redeemer” and according to Reuters, he suggested the idea was “foolishness.” “She never wanted to take anything for herself from her son,” Francis said in 2019.
Fernández, who presented the document during a conference at Jesuit headquarters in Rome, said its teaching becomes part of the church’s ordinary magisterium and must be considered authoritative, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops reported. “Any gaze directed at her that distracts us from Christ or that places her on the same level as the son of God would fall outside the dynamic proper to an authentically Marian faith,” the note said.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
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