THANK GOD THIS WASN’T A SYNODAL CHURCH DECISION OR CLARIFICATION OR A MAKING THINGS MURKEY!

                                       NO!

Mary as Co-Redemptrix is a theological concept never elevated to that of a doctrine much less a dogma. In this sense it is a theological concept similar to what “Limbo for unbaptized infants” is. Popes may have referred to these in the past and Catholics may have embraced these theological constructs, but eventually the Church clarifies if a theological construct is a doctrine or not, worthy of the Church to proclaim a doctrine. 

In both cases now, neither are doctrines and it appears neither will be elevated to such. 

But more importantly, the decision to clarify the titles of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a function of the papal magisterium. While the document comes from the Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith, it has the support of the pope, Pope Leo XIV and thus is a very important clarification. 

I have never taught that Mary is the Co-Redeemer (Redemptrix) for the reasons that I state above and now for the reason the DDF states below. I am grateful for the clarification. 

I am also grateful that the decision to clarify this was thought out and written by those who have a theological education and are capable of forwarding to the pope what their findings are, rather than group-think of clergy and faithful of all kinds of theological or no theological backgrounds talking the issue to death and then taking a popular vote in a synodal way to give their pious opinions to the pope, even if gnostic! 

Here’s Vatican News’ summary of the new documents comments on Mary as Co-Redemptrix:

Co-redemptrix

Regarding the title “Co-redemptrix,” the Note recalls that “some Popes have used the title “without elaborating much on its meaning.” Generally, it continues, “they have presented the title in two specific ways: in reference to Mary’s divine motherhood (insofar as she, as Mother, made possible the Redemption that Christ accomplished) or in reference to her union with Christ at the redemptive Cross. The Second Vatican Council refrained from using the title for dogmatic, pastoral, and ecumenical reasons. Saint John Paul II referred to Mary as ‘Co-redemptrix’ on at least seven occasions, particularly relating this title to the salvific value of our sufferings when they are offered together with the sufferings of Christ, to whom Mary is united especially at the Cross” (18).

The document cites an internal discussion within the then-Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which in February 1996 had discussed the request to proclaim a new dogma on Mary as “Co-redemptrix or Mediatrix of all graces.” Then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was opposed to such a definition, arguing, “the precise meaning of these titles is not clear, and the doctrine contained in them is not mature. […] It is not clear how the doctrine expressed in these titles is present in Scripture and the apostolic tradition.”

Later, in 2002, the future Benedict XVI expressed himself publicly in the same way: “The formula ‘Co-redemptrix’ departs to too great an extent from the language of Scripture and of the Fathers and therefore gives rise to misunderstandings… Everything comes from Him [Christ], as the Letter to the Ephesians and the Letter to the Colossians, in particular, tell us; Mary, too, is everything that she is through Him. The word ‘Co-redemptrix’ would obscure this origin.”

The note clarifies that Cardinal Ratzinger did not deny the good intentions behind the proposal, nor the valuable aspects reflected in it, but nonetheless maintained that they were “being expressed in the wrong way” (19).

Pope Francis also expressed his clear opposition to the use of the title Co-Redemptrix on at least three occasions.

Tuesday’s Doctrinal Note concludes: “It would not be appropriate to use the title ‘Co-redemptrix’ to define Mary’s cooperation. This title risks obscuring Christ’s unique salvific mediation and can therefore create confusion and an imbalance in the harmony of the truths of the Christian faith. […] When an expression requires many, repeated explanations to prevent it from straying from a correct meaning, it does not serve the faith of the People of God and becomes unhelpful” (22).

Press title for entire document: 

DICASTERY FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAITH
Mater Populi Fidelis
Doctrinal Note on Some Marian Titles 
Regarding Mary’s Cooperation 
in the Work of Salvation