Doctrinal Note on Marian Titles: “Mother of the Faithful,” not “Co Redemptrix”
Vatican clarifies preferred language for Mary’s cooperation in salvation; renewed attention urged for the expression “Mediatrix of all graces.”
On 4 November 2025, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) released Mater populi fidelis (“The Mother of the Faithful People”), a Doctrinal Note on selected Marian titles that describe Our Lady’s cooperation in the work of salvation. Approved by the Holy Father on 7 October and signed by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández (Prefect) and Msgr. Armando Matteo (Secretary of the Doctrinal Section), the Note offers positive guidance for Marian devotion while cautioning against expressions that risk obscuring the uniqueness of Christ’s mediation.
The document welcomes titles such as “Mother of Believers,” “Spiritual Mother,” and “Mother of the Faithful, “while discouraging the title “Co‑redemptrix.” With respect to “Mediatrix,” the Note provides careful parameters: it is acceptable when used in a subordinate, participatory sense that highlights Christ’s power; it is unacceptable if it suggests a parallel or rival mediation to that of Jesus Christ.
Key line: “… it would not be appropriate to use the title ‘Co-redemptrix’ to define Mary’s cooperation. This 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…” (MPF §22)
WHAT THE NOTE AFFIRMS
1) Christ, the One Mediator
- The Note re‑centers Marian language on the biblical confession that “Christ Jesus… gave himself as a ransom for all” (1 Tim 2: 5- 6).
- Everything in Mary refers to Christ: her privileges and her maternal mission serve to manifest His saving work, not to diminish it.
- In Catholic doctrine (cf. Lumen gentium 60-62; CCC 62, 970), any talk of Marian “mediation” is strictly dependent on and ordered to Christ’s unique mediation.
2) Marian Titles Encouraged
- Mother of Believers / Mother of the Faithful / Spiritual Mother: These highlight Mary’s maternal care in the order of grace, her intercession, and her exemplary discipleship. As Mother of the Redeemer and first among the redeemed, she engenders faith in Christ by her prayer, example, and presence in the Church.
3) Marian Titles To Be Used with Precision
- Mediatrix: Admissible only in a way that clearly expresses participation, never addition to the one mediation of Christ. The Note, therefore, discourages expansive explanations that could suggest Mary possesses independent salvific efficacy.
- Mother of Grace / Mediatrix of all graces: Tolerated in a very precise sense (e.g., as shorthand for Mary’s maternal intercession by which the faithful receive many “graces” or helps), but the Note warns against broad, totalizing interpretations.
MARIAN TITLES DISCOURAGED
- Co‑redemptrix: The Note judges this title inappropriate doctrinally and pastorally. Even though some popes have used the term in circumscribed ways (e.g., referencing Mary’s union with her Son at the Cross), the expression often requires repeated clarifications to avoid misunderstanding and can sow confusion among the faithful.
Why “Co‑Redemptrix” is Judged Unsuitable
- Scriptural/liturgical language: The term diverges from the ordinary biblical and patristic vocabulary, which ascribes redemption uniquely to Christ.
- Risk of imbalance: It can give the impression of a parallel agency in redemption, obscuring that Mary’s cooperation is wholly derivative from Christ and never adds to the intrinsic efficacy of His sacrifice.
- Ecumenical and pastoral clarity: The Church seeks speech that builds up the one faith and is readily understood. If a term routinely needs caveats to remain orthodox, it becomes unhelpful for catechesis and unity.
“When an expression requires many, repeated explanations… it does not serve the faith of the People of God.” (MPF §22)
How to Understand “Mediatrix” Correctly
The Note acknowledges the everyday and theological use of “mediation” in senses such as assistance, intercession, cooperation, and instrumentality. In this analogical and subordinate sense, the title “Mediatrix” can be retained:
- Mary mediates by her fiat, enabling the Incarnation (cf. Lk 1:38), and by her intercession for the Church (cf. Jn 2:1–11; Acts 1:14).
- Such mediation is participatory, entirely dependent on Christ the one Mediator (1 Tim 2:5), and ordered to His glory.
Biblical, Patristic, And Doctrinal Roots
- Scripture: From the Annunciation to Pentecost, Mary is present as the humble handmaid who points to Christ: “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5).
- Fathers and Doctors: The Note recalls patristic and medieval witnesses who speak of Mary as New Eve, Advocate, Mother of the living, whose role is always Christological and ecclesial.
- Magisterium: In continuity with Lumen gentium (esp. §62) and the Catechism (CCC 487–507; 963–975), Mary’s maternal intercession is affirmed while insisting that Christ’s redemptive work is sufficient and unique.
Pastoral Takeaways for Preaching, Catechesis, And Devotion
- Name the centre: Always present Marian devotion as a path to Jesus, never a detour around Him.
- Prefer luminous titles: In homilies and parish life, highlight Mother of the Faithful/Believers, Spiritual Mother, New Eve, titles that clearly express Mary’s role without doctrinal ambiguity.
- Use “Mediatrix” with catechetical care: When used, immediately explain participatory mediation (dependent on Christ) and avoid sweeping claims (e.g., that Mary “dispenses” every grace in a way proper to God alone).
- Avoid “Co‑redemptrix”: Out of fidelity to the Note’s guidance and for ecumenical clarity, set this term aside in official communications and catechetical materials.
A Word to the Faithful
True Marian devotion always leads to deeper adoration of Christ. When we call Mary Mother of the Faithful, we confess that she accompanies the Church as the first disciple and intercedes for us so that Christ may be more fully formed in us (cf. Gal 4:19). The more we honour her as Mother, the more we are drawn into the obedience of faith to her Son.
Prayer: O Mary, Mother of the Faithful, lead us always to Jesus, your Son. May our words about you magnify His grace and His glory. Amen.
Quick FAQ
Does the Church deny Mary’s cooperation in redemption?
No. The Church warmly affirms Mary’s unique cooperation as Mother and disciple. The Note clarifies how we speak of that cooperation, so that Christ’s unique mediation remains unmistakable.
Can we still refer to Mary as the “Mediatrix”?
Yes, in a carefully defined sense that stresses her maternal intercession and participation, never a parallel power alongside Christ.
Why discourage “Co‑redemptrix” if some saints/popes used it?
Because in ordinary usage, it risks misunderstanding, requires constant caveats, and does not serve catechesis or ecumenical sensitivity. The Church proposes clearer, more biblical, and traditional language instead.
Editorial Note: This article summarizes the principal teachings of the DDF’s Mater populi fidelis as presented on 4 November 2025, situating its guidance within Scripture and the living Tradition. For official text and authoritative wording, consult the DDF publication itself.
About the Author:
Fr. Dr. Jose Thomas, SDB, is the co‑founder of the Bibleon App. He can be reached at josekutty@sdbind.org