It is easy to get stuck on something a current Pope says without putting it into the broader context of Church teaching as a whole. This is what has happened with Pope Francis’ comments in 2020 regarding the Blessed Virgin Mary as Co-redemptrix: “Jesus extended Mary’s maternity to the entire Church…as a mother, not a goddess,” the Pope said, “not as a co-redeemer, as a mother…He is the only Redeemer.” Some have taken these statements as a definitive rejection of the use of the title ‘co-redemptrix’ for our Lady.
We must however look at his Holiness’ statements in the context of tradition as a whole. It is the mark of a good Catholic to revere such traditions and to be formed by them, not by an isolated non-definitive statement, even though it be authoritative.
Further, we must distinguish between Papal statements which are authoritative and those which are not only authoritative but also definitive. A statement is both authoritative and definitive if either
1) it is solemnly proclaimed (by a Pope, or a council of bishops in union with the Pope),
2) or it has been taught consistently by Popes and bishops in an authoritative manner.
Such definitive statements are infallible and require our firm assent of Faith. Any other statement made in an official capacity on matter of Faith or morals is authoritative only. We owe our submission of opinion to authoritative statements of the magisterium but not the firm assent of Faith.
Finally, we must distinguish between the title and the doctrine. There is no disagreement amongst the Popes on the doctrine of our Blessed Mother’s unique role as a cooperator in the work of redemption, as it has been consistently explicated by Popes in modern history. Rather what is being questioned is whether the title ‘co-redemptrix’ adequately reflects that doctrine.
This article is simply to lay out the history of the use of the title ‘co-redemptrix’ so we can see how the title has been used. (An examination of the doctrine is fodder for another article.) Then we will see the place of Pope Francis’ comments in relation to that tradition.
Sensus Fidelium
The tradition of calling our Blessed Mother co-redemptrix begins with the Catholic faithful, in prayers and hymns. This extensive popular devotion is relevant insofar as it expresses the sensus fidelium (the mind of the faithful). While this sensus does not carry the authority of the magisterium, it is considered by the magisterium in proclaiming doctrine since the Holy Spirit inspires the faithful. I here itemize the history of popular devotion drawing on an article by Mark Miravalle. (For the reader’s ease I have bolded the term ‘co-redemptrix’.)
10th Century - Litanies des saintes, in a Psalter.
Sancta Redemptrix, ora pro nobis.
14th Century - in a hymn Orat. ms S. Petri Slaisburgens.
Pia dulcis et benigna
Nullo prorsus luctu digna
Si fletum hinc eligeres
Ut compassa redemptori
Captivato transgressori
Tu corredemptrix fieres
16th Century - “One of the Council of Trent’s foremost theologians” Alphonsus Salmerón in Commentarii in Evangel. “defends the Co-redemptrix doctrine and title.”
17th Century - “Theologians make more than 300 references to the Co-redemptrix…title.” Carol, De Corredemptione.
19th Century - St. John Cardinal Newman rebukes an opponent of the title:
When they found you with the Fathers calling her Mother of God, Second Eve, and Mother of all Living… and the like, they would have deemed it a poor compensation for such language, that you protested against her being called a Co-redemptrix.
20th Century - Saints using the title include St. Pio, St. Edith Stein, St. Jose Maria Escriva, St. Maximilian Kolbe.
St. Leopold Mandic, “who actually gave himself as a victim soul to Our Lady Co-redemptrix for East-West unity”:
Vere coram Deo et Deiparae Virgini, interposita sacramenti fide, me obstrinxi in obsequium Corredemptricis humani generis….
St. Teresa of Calcutta:
(to Miravalle) Of course Mary is the Co-redemptrix! She gave the body to Jesus and the body of Jesus is what saved us.
Sr. Lucia, seer at Fatima: –
(to Miravalle) Christ began, with Mary, the work of our salvation… Mary, made one with Christ, is the Co-redemptrix of the human race.
Magisterium
There are also many references to our Lady as co-redemptrix in magisterial documents. I have taken these quotations from an article by Msgr. Calkins found here. While none of these references are definitive, they are all in the Acta Apostolicae Sedis (official acts of the Church), and are therefore authoritative. Although we do not owe the assent of Faith to authoritative statements, we nevertheless owe religious submission of mind and will in accordance with the Popes’ intentions, as indicated by frequency, manner of speaking, and the character of the documents.
1908 – The Sacred Congregation of Rites under Pius X
the cultus of the Sorrowful Mother may increase and the piety of the faithful and their gratitude toward the merciful Co-redemptrix (Conredemptricem) of the human race may intensify.
1913 - Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office under Pius X
There are Christians who have such a tender devotion toward her who is the most blessed among virgins as to be unable to recall the name of Jesus without accompanying it with the glorious name of the Mother, our Co-redemptrix (corredemptricis), the Blessed Virgin Mary.
1914 - Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office under Pius X
I bless thy holy Name, I praise thine exalted privilege of being truly Mother of God, ever Virgin, conceived without stain of sin, Co-redemptrix (corredentrice) of the human race.
1933 - Pope Pius XI (allocution)
From the nature of His work the Redeemer ought to have associated His Mother with His work. For this reason We invoke her under the title of Co-redemptrix (Corredentrice).
1934 - L'Osservatore Romano referring to Pius XI (private address)
The Pope said they [the Spanish pilgrims] came to celebrate with the Vicar of Christ not only the nineteenth centenary of the divine Redemption, but also the nineteenth centenary of Mary, the centenary of her Coredemption (Corredenzione ), of her universal maternity…Those young people should follow the way of thinking and the desire of Mary most holy, who is our Mother and our Co-redemptrix (Corredentrice): they, too, must make a great effort to be coredeemers (corredentori ) and apostles…
1935 - Pius XI (Radio Message)
Mother most faithful and most merciful, who as Co-redemptrix (Co-redemptrix) and partaker of thy dear Son's sorrows didst assist Him as He offered the sacrifice of our Redemption on the altar of the Cross ... preserve in us and increase each day, we beseech thee, the precious fruits of our Redemption and thy compassion.
1971 - the Prænotanda to the first conciliar draft document or schema:
Certain expressions and words used by Supreme Pontiffs have been omitted, which, in themselves are absolutely true, but which may only be understood with difficulty by separated brethren (in this case Protestants). Among such words may be numbered the following: Co-redemptrix (Corredemptrix) of the human race" [Pius X, Pius XI] ...
1995 - John Paul II (general audience)
During the Council sessions, many Fathers wished further to enrich Marian doctrine with other statements on Mary's role in the work of salvation. The particular context in which Vatican II's Mariological debate took place did not allow these wishes, although substantial and widespread, to be accepted…
1984, 1985, 1990, 1991 – John Paul II refers tour lady as Co-redemptrix (corredentor) in five different addresses. He said St Charles and St. Bridget of Sweden both invoked her under that title.
N.B. Pope Leo XIII is often quoted as using the title ‘co-redemptrix,’ but actually this only appears in the English translation of his encyclical and not in the original Latin.
Up to this point our quotations support the use of the title ‘co-redemptrix’ for the Blessed Virgin Mary. However, the two most recent Popes have not added their voices to this chorus.
2020 – Pope Francis (homily)
Faithful to her Master, who is her Son, the unique Redeemer, she never wanted to take anything away from her Son. She never introduced herself as ‘Co-redemptrix.’ No. ‘disciple.’
2021 – Pope Francis (general audience)
He is the only Redeemer: there are no co-redeemers with Christ… Jesus extended Mary’s maternity to the entire Church …as a mother, not a goddess, not as a co-redeemer, as a mother…He is the only Redeemer.
P. Francis does not directly reject the title ‘co-redemptrix.’ His objections instead can be taken as reiterating the doctrine. Yet it would not be alarming if P. Francis did at some point choose to express unmistakable opposition to the use of the title. Notice that the 1971 and 1995 quotations above indicate that the basis for avoiding the title ‘co-redemptrix’ in recent times is not necessarily a rejection of the meaning of the title itself. Rather it may be a question of prudence insofar as the title might be misconstrued, especially by protestants.
Two more quotes I would like to add are of Cardinals. Although these were not spoken by a Pope, it nevertheless gives us more insight into what sort of an objection one might have to the title. These statements by prefects for the Congregation of the Faith, are not magisterially authoritative, since they are not spoken in an official capacity.
2002 - Cardinal Ratzinger (quoted by Peter Seewald)
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]… Mary, too, is everything she is through Him…The word ‘Co-redemptrix’ would obscure this origin. A correct intention being expressed in the wrong way.
2017 – Cardinal Muller (quoted by Robert Fastiggi)
the Church, despite Mary’s privileged position on the work of salvation, does not call her ‘co-redeemer’, because the only Redeemer is Christ and she herself has been redeemed sublimiore modo…
These cardinals do not think the title 'co-redemptrix' reflects the true doctrine concerning our lady’s role in redemption, but rather obscures it.
How do we interpret these mixed reviews? On the one hand, we can say that the statements of Popes Pius X, Pius, XI, and John Paull II above are matter for definitive ordinary magisterium. They are not spoken in a private capacity as an expression of personal opinion, but rather are made in an official capacity either by the Holy Father himself or with his stamp of approval.
Nevertheless, as we can see from the statements of Popes Francis and Cards. Ratzinger and Mueller, the hierarchy is not yet unified in recognizing the title ‘co-redemptrix,’ despite its repeated use. Therefore, we must hesitate to say that ordinary magisterium does in fact affirm the title ‘co-redemptrix’ for our Blessed Mother.
Although our Lady has never been defined as such, there exists a tradition amongst the faithful in the Church of calling her Co-redemptrix, and also amongst some Popes. Nevertheless, the marked hesitance of P. Francis and certain Cardinals to use this title in authoritative teachings or officially to pronounce our Lady as co-redemptrix shows clearly that the question has not yet been definitively decided either for or against the legitimacy of the title, but is still open.
Until such time as the Church speaks definitively on this matter, this study helps us to put into context the statements of his holiness P. Francis on the title ‘co-redemptrix’ as simply further authoritative contributions in an ongoing discussion yet to be definitively resolved. We faithful are consequently free either to join our voices to the longtime chorus of those who honor our Lady by this title, or to hold an opinion rejecting this title, as long as we remain always ready to submit to the judgment of our Holy Mother the Church on this matter. In the meantime, with or without the use of the title, let us never cease to honor our Blessed Mother for her cooperation with her Divine Son in our redemption.