Many theologians, and even popes, are not convinced that the title 'Co-Redemptor' applied to the Virgin Mary. Pope Francis was among them.
POPE FRANCIS
A disciple, faithful to her Master, who is her son, the only Redeemer. She never wanted to take anything from her Son. She never introduced herself as a co-redeemer, rather a disciple.
Pope Benedict, when he was still Cardinal Ratzinger, also stated that the term “Co-Redemptor” or “Mediator of all graces” can cause confusion.
It strays too far from the language of Scripture and the Church Fathers and, therefore, leads to misunderstandings.
The document published by Cardinal Ratzinger’s successor at the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith follows this same line: it says that the Virgin Mary cooperates in the work of salvation, but she is not on the same level as Christ, and the term “Co-Redemptor” could obscure Jesus’ central role.
It also states that this term has not been well explained in the past.
When an expression requires numerous and continual explanations (…), it becomes unsuitable.
The document is called “Mater Populi Fidelis” and addresses a theological debate about the role of the Virgin Mary, which is particularly delicate as it concerns Our Lady, one of the most beloved figures for faithful around the world.
JRB
Trans. CRT
