The Vatican has issued a new doctrinal directive clarifying that the Virgin Mary cannot be referred to as “co-redeemer” or any title suggesting she shares in Christ’s unique role in salvation.

Approved by Pope Leo, the decree reviews long-established Marian designations — including co-redemptrix and mediatrix — which have been popular in Catholic devotion for centuries. Although Catholics traditionally ask Mary to intercede for them, the Church now emphasizes that her participation in the story of salvation remains secondary to Christ’s.

The document, released on Tuesday, stresses that calling Mary a co-redeemer creates theological confusion and risks overshadowing Jesus’ exclusive redemptive power.

“It is always inappropriate to use the title ‘Co-redemptrix’ to define Mary’s cooperation,” the decree states, warning that such expressions “do not serve the faith of the People of God.”

While acknowledging Mary’s special role as the mother of Jesus, the Vatican reiterates that neither she nor the Church can replace — or complete — the saving work already accomplished by Christ.

On the term mediatrix, the decree points to Scripture, affirming that Jesus alone is the mediator between God and humanity. Mary’s intercessory role, it adds, remains “real” but “clearly subordinate.”

The Vatican notes that this teaching is not new — Pope Francis repeatedly rejected attempts to elevate Mary to a co-redeemer figure, once describing the idea as “foolishness.”

“Christ is the Mediator par excellence,” Francis said in 2021. “Each prayer we raise to God is through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ.”

The new pronouncement seeks to reinforce what the Church calls the “harmony of Christian faith,” ensuring that Marian devotion never blurs the central truth of Christianity: Jesus alone is the redeemer.