Pope Leo XIV is advancing the Roman Catholic Church’s ecumenical mission to foster unity among mainstream Christian denominations. Earlier, he joined Eastern Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I in worship services in Istanbul and a pilgrimage to Nicaea, the site of the First Ecumenical Council 1700 years ago. Both leaders expressed aspirations for restoring full communion among Christians.
The new statement, titled “Mother of the Faithful People of God,” acknowledges that referring to Mary as co-redemptrix or co-mediatrix risks overshadowing the unique role of Jesus Christ in salvation. The Vatican has decided against officially designating Mary as co-redeemer, despite requests from some Catholic adherents. However, the title may still be used informally provided it does not undermine Christ’s sole mediation as true God and true man.
Historical Context and Debate
Devotion to Mary, including prayers and veneration, has historically divided Catholics and Protestants. Previous popes, such as John Paul II, used the co-redemptrix title, while others like Francis and Benedict XVI deemed it inappropriate. Pope Leo XIV’s statement seeks to clarify Mary’s role as not supplanting or supplementing Christ, describing her instead as a transmitter of joy to believers and one who cooperated freely in salvation through faith and obedience.
You can read the full statement below.