Vatican Clarifies Proper Understanding of Mary’s Role in Salvation History
By: Fr. Dr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie Ãmos|Nov 5, 2025
The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) has issued new clarification on the proper way to speak about the Blessed Virgin Mary, calling for balance and fidelity to the Church’s tradition. The document, released in Rome, explains that while the Church deeply venerates Mary, certain titles and expressions can be misunderstood and should be used with care.
In the early centuries of Christianity, devotion to Mary developed as a natural response to her role as the Mother of Jesus. Over time, Christians have honored her with many titles—such as “Mediatrix,” “Advocate,” and “Co-Redemptrix”—in an effort to express her closeness to Christ and to the faithful. However, the DDF noted that some of these expressions, like “Mediatrix of All Graces,” can lead to confusion if they seem to place Mary on the same level as Jesus Christ, who alone is the Redeemer and Mediator between God and humanity.
The Vatican now emphasizes that Mary’s greatness does not come from any independent power or activity apart from her Son, but from her total openness to God’s will and her deep union with Christ. She is to be loved and revered as the “Mother of God” and the “Mother of the Faithful People of God,” titles that highlight her maternal care for the Church and her unique role in the history of salvation.
The document recalls that Mary’s mission began with her “yes” at the Annunciation, continued through her steadfast presence at the foot of the Cross, and reached its fullness in her sharing in the joy of the Resurrection. Through every stage, she remained entirely united with her Son—not as an equal partner in redemption, but as one who cooperated in faith and love with God’s saving plan.
The Vatican’s clarification stresses that Mary herself was redeemed by Jesus “in a particular and anticipatory way,” meaning that even her immaculate conception was a gift of grace flowing from Christ’s sacrifice. Her greatness, therefore, lies not in her own achievements but in her complete trust and surrender to God’s Spirit.
By urging Catholics to avoid language that gives Mary an active role parallel to Christ’s, the Church seeks to preserve the beauty and truth of her vocation. The faithful are invited to honor her as the tender Mother who leads us to Jesus, not as one who replaces Him.
This clarification is necessary for several reasons. First, it safeguards the core Christian truth of Christ’s exclusive role in salvation. Second, it helps prevent confusion among the faithful and in ecumenical dialogues — since language that appears to elevate Mary too closely to Christ’s role can hinder Christian unity and mutual understanding. Third, it encourages Marian devotion that directs all attention to Christ, through Mary’s maternal intercession, rather than diverting attention from Him.
In practical terms, what this means for the faithful is that one may continue to honour Mary with tender devotion, entrust oneself to her maternal care, and call upon her intercession — but with the clear understanding that she always leads us to her Son, the Redeemer. It means using Marian titles prudently and in keeping with the Church’s magisterial teaching. It means reminding ourselves, especially in prayer and catechesis, that Mary’s role is magnificent and unique — yet entirely dependent and subordinate to Christ’s saving.
The Vatican has not said anything different from what the Church down the ages believes and teaches but simply wants to guide against errors borne out of overzealousness that could be derailing.
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