In a striking new decree approved by Pope Leo, the Vatican’s doctrinal office has ruled that the Virgin Mary is not to be called the “co-redeemer” of the world, affirming that Jesus Christ alone accomplished humanity’s redemption. The statement, released Tuesday, settles decades of internal theological debate that divided scholars and even popes. “It would not be appropriate to use the title ‘co-redemptrix,’” the document states, explaining that such language “creates confusion and an imbalance in the harmony of the truths of the Christian faith.” The clarification reasserts the biblical foundation of salvation—that redemption comes through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

The decision follows years of disagreement among Catholic leaders. Pope Francis, who called the notion of Mary as co-redeemer “foolishness” in 2019, had opposed elevating her to that status, while Pope John Paul II once showed limited support before stepping back under doctrinal pressure. The decree re-centers Catholic teaching on the supremacy of Christ’s atoning work, reminding the faithful that even Mary—blessed and highly favored—was a recipient of grace, not a source of it. For prophecy-minded believers, this correction underscores a larger theme of Scripture: that in the end, every false elevation of man will be brought low so that only Christ receives glory (Philippians 2:9-11).