(LifeSiteNews) — The Vatican has declared the Marian title “Co-Redemptrix” to be both inappropriate and theologically “unhelpful.”

The statements came in a doctrinal note titled Mater Populi Fidelis (“Mother of the Faithful People of God”), issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) on November 4 and signed by its prefect, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández. The document was approved by Pope Leo XIV on October 7.

“When an expression requires many, repeated explanations to prevent it from straying from a correct meaning,” the note stated, “it does not serve the faith of the People of God and becomes unhelpful.”

It stated that the title “Co-Redemptrix” risks “eclipsing the exclusive role of Jesus Christ” and “would not be a true honor to his Mother.”

The note also discouraged the widespread title “Mediatrix of All Graces,” suggesting that it lacks solid grounding in Revelation and carries “limits that do not favor a correct understanding of Mary’s unique place.”

Instead, the Vatican encouraged faithful to adopt titles rooted in Mary’s motherhood, such as “Mother of God” and “Mother of the Faithful People of God.”

Fernández’s preface to the document noted a rise in devotional language “intensely expressed through social media” and warned against what he described as confusion arising from certain “Marian reflection groups,” publications, and proposed Marian dogmas.

In fact, both titles have been a part of popular piety for centuries. While the Vatican notes that “Co-Redemptrix” emerged in the 15th century, theologian Father Juniper B. Carol traced its use to a 14th-century liturgical book from Salzburg.

He added that the novelty of a word does not disqualify its legitimacy, pointing to terms like “transubstantiation” and “Theotokos,” which were once new but became doctrinal cornerstones.

He also argued that the title forms a part of the ordinary magisterium, being “consecrated by ecclesiastical usage” in 20th century papal texts.

A Mass in honor of “Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Graces” appears in the traditional Roman Missal, under the section for Masses for Various Places – a liturgical recognition that underscores the historical acceptance of the title. (p. 194)

While the titles in question have deep roots in Catholic devotion and theology, the note signals a clear departure from this trajectory, placing renewed emphasis on Mary’s receptivity rather than her active participation in Christ’s work of redemption or the sanctification of Christians.

The document’s tone echoes prior post-conciliar efforts to scale back theological language seen as obstacles to ecumenical dialogue. It frames the new restrictions as an attempt to deepen “fidelity to Catholic identity” while supporting ecumenical efforts towards unity with non-Catholic bodies.

The note’s approach recalls the post-Vatican II shift toward ecumenical accommodation. Archbishop Annibale Bugnini, chief architect of the liturgical reform, famously stated that Holy Week rites had to be revised to “remove every stone that could even remotely constitute an obstacle” to unity with “the separated brethren.”

Traditional theology holds that Roman Congregations’ decrees, especially when approved in specific form by the pope, call for religious assent. However, the intended authoritative weight of Mater Populi Fidelis remains ambiguous. At the time of writing, a Latin version was not visible on the DDF website, and it was unclear whether Pope Leo XIV had approved it in specific or general form.

The note also adopts a more discursive tone, presenting its rejection of the titles Co-Redemptrix and Mediatrix as a matter of theological prudence and ecumenical concern.

Nevertheless, its practical implications are clear. The note is expected to guide bishops’ conferences and theologians in enforcing revised norms for Marian language — representing a decisive departure from centuries of liturgical precedent and theological affirmation.