On 4 November 2025, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, with the approval of Pope Leo XIV, published the Instruction Mater Populi Fidelis. This document explains Mary’s role as the Mother of the People of God in relation to the work of Christ and instructs that certain titles which could give rise to misunderstanding should be avoided. It encourages the faithful to use designations such as Mother of God, Mother of the Faithful and Mother of the Church, which express Mary’s unique cooperation in the plan of salvation. The Instruction reminds that titles such as Mediatrix or Mediatrix of all graces must be used with discernment. When the term mediatrix is applied to Mary, it may suggest that she possesses a mediating power independent of Christ. In reality, Mary’s intercession proceeds entirely from her relationship with her Son. Her role as intercessor must never be understood in a way parallel to the unique mediation of Christ. The Blessed Mother intercedes and prays for us, but her intercessory role is entirely distinct from the truth that Christ alone is the one mediator.
The Instruction also states that the title Mediatrix of all graces should not be used. Such titles do not offer a precise understanding of Mary’s unique position. As one who herself has been redeemed, Mary cannot be the mediator of the grace she has received (no. 67). Christ alone is the source of all grace. It is for the communication of this grace that He established the Church and the sacraments.
The document further clarifies that describing Mary as Co-Redemptrix is inappropriate. The Church has never officially proclaimed Mary as Co-Redemptrix. Cardinal Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) had noted that this title could cause confusion among the faithful. While some persons and groups had requested that the Church declare Mary Co-Redemptrix, there is no theological basis for such a definition. The Instruction makes this clear to prevent further misunderstanding.
The title Co-Redemptrix may obscure the fundamental truth that Christ alone is Redeemer. Mary is not a co-redeemer; rather, she cooperated in a unique way in the work of redemption. Her role in salvation is always subordinate to Christ and understood in the context of her motherhood. As the Second Vatican Council teaches, Mary’s mediation does not add to or diminish in any way the dignity or efficacy of Christ’s sole mediation (Lumen Gentium 62).
Mary is the first disciple who learned and followed the ways of Jesus. She is the one who heard the Word of God and kept it. She is the model of faith and love for the Church-the first and most perfect among the disciples of Jesus (no. 73). Mary is the Mother of all the faithful. As He hung upon the Cross, Jesus gave her to all humanity as Mother so that we may never journey alone. As our Mother, Mary stays close to us with her prayers and love and walks with us. She is the Mother of the Church (no. 76).
In short, the Instruction Mater Populi Fidelis does not diminish the greatness or majesty of the Holy Mother of God; rather, it invites us to understand her true place in the light of the truth that Christ is the sole Redeemer. The document does not change the teachings of the Church but corrects certain misunderstandings through precise clarifications.
Rev. Dr. Sebastian Chalackal
