Diane Montagna posted at her Substack page: HERE
Cardinal Fernández Clarifies: “Co-redemptrix” Off Limits in Official Vatican Documents, Permitted in Private Devotion
In comments on Mater Populi Fidelis, the DDF Prefect explains what the doctrinal Note means in stating the Marian title is “always inappropriate.”
The zaniness continues.
Montagna reports that Fernández has formally clarified that the Marian title Co-redemptrix is no longer permitted in official Vatican documents or liturgical texts.
This “clarification” accompanies the Dicastery’s new doctrinal note—signed by Pope Francis—which states that the term is “ always inappropriate” and “unhelpful” because it can obscure Christ’s unique role as the sole Redeemer. According to Fernandez, a theological expression that repeatedly requires careful explanation in order to avoid misunderstanding does not serve the pastoral needs of the faithful. For this reason, the note concludes that terms such as “Co-redemptrix” and similarly problematic titles like “Mediatrix of all Graces” should not appear in any official ecclesial or liturgical context.
Fernández stressed at the press conference that the document is doctrinal in nature and should be taken with the seriousness due to the Magisterium. While this clarification restricts the term in formal teaching and liturgy, it does not explicitly condemn historical theological uses by saints, theologians, or even earlier papal statements. Rather, the Dicastery is drawing a boundary for contemporary usage in the Church’s authoritative documents, arguing that the term’s potential to sow confusion has become pastorally detrimental.
The article also highlights the controversy generated by this clarification. Many Marian theologians and regular Catholics regard Co-redemptrix as a venerable title expressing Mary’s subordinate but real cooperation in the work of redemption—rooted in her “fiat” at the Annunciation and her intimate participation at Calvary. The Dicastery says that in modern language the prefix “co-” can easily be misread as implying equality with Christ, creating a doctrinal ambiguity that must be avoided. Thus, while the ruling does not directly forbid private devotional uses, it effectively pushes the title to the margins of contemporary ecclesial language, marking a notable shift in the Vatican’s approach to Marian terminology.
The interesting (in an alarming sense) part is the exchange between Montagna and Fernandez.
Montagna pressed Fernández on why the Dicastery had effectively prohibited the Marian title Co-redemptrix when so many saints, theologians, and even popes had used it in the past. She asked how the Vatican could now declare the title “always inappropriate” without implicitly suggesting that earlier magisterial and devotional uses were mistaken. Montagna also challenged the Dicastery’s claim that the term obscures Christ’s unique mediatorship, noting that historically it had always been used in a qualified and subordinate sense. Her questions aimed at clarifying whether the new ruling amounted to a doctrinal correction of earlier tradition.
[…]
MONTAGNA: Yes, but why did you use the term “always” [siempre]? Does this refer to the past, especially given that it was used by the saints, doctors and ordinary magisterium?
FERNANDEZ: No, no, no. It refers to this moment. Just as Pope John Paul II himself used it at one time and then didn’t use it anymore. What we believe is that, in the substance behind that word, there are elements that can be accepted and continue to be upheld.
MONTAGNA: So, does “always” mean “from now on”? [And pro multis means “for all” and 2+2=5]
FERNANDEZ: From now on, certainly. It isn’t meant to judge the past at all. It means “from now on.” And moreover, it means above all that this expression [“Co-redemptrix”] will not be used either in the liturgy, that is, in liturgical texts, or in the official documents of the Holy See. If one wishes to express Mary’s unique cooperation in the Redemption, it would be expressed in other ways, but not with this expression, not even in official documents.
That is something that is known, even if perhaps not very widespread. If you, together with your group of friends, believe you understand well the true meaning of this expression, have read the document, and see that its positive aspects are also affirmed there, and you wish to express precisely that within your prayer group or among friends, you may use the title—but it will not be used officially, that is, either in liturgical texts or in official documents.
MONTAGNA: Thank you very much. Just one final question, did you (i.e. the DDF) consult any Mariologists for Mater Populi Fidelis?
Yes, many, many, as well as theologians who specialize in Christology.
[…]
As one of my theologian friends remarked…
“They can’t tie their own shoes at DDF.”
