Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why did the Vatican reject the titles mediatrix and co-redemptrix for Mary in 2025?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Antonello da Messina: Madonna and Child — Mary *Madonna and Child*, oil and tempera on panel by Antonello da Messina, 1475; in the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.

In 2025, the Vatican issued a doctrinal document that formally rejected the titles "mediatrix" and "co-redemptrix" for Mary. The Vatican stated that these titles are rejected because they obscure the recognition of Jesus as the sole mediator between God and humanity.12

While the term "co-redemptrix" has historically been used in some Roman Catholic theology to indicate Mary's participation in the redemption of humankind through her acceptance of her commission, the Vatican's recent decision emphasizes that such terminology risks confusing the unique, singular role of Christ in the salvation of the world.2