On 7 October 2025 Pope Leo XIV issued the advisory Mater Populi Fideli­—Mother of the Faithful People of God, which discusses matters of Catholic doctrine in relation to Mary. While praising Mary and Catholic devotion to her, it limits some of the excesses sometimes seen among Roman Catholics. It states that many titles have been applied to Mary that have not been precise and at times have been misinterpreted.

The document discusses the history of such titles and then generally refers to the Bible to set them in context. It states that “given the necessity of explaining Mary’s subordinate role to Christ in the work of Redemption, it is always inappropriate 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, for ‘there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved’ (Acts 4:12).”

Similarly, the document advises against calling Mary “Mediatrix”. It states that “the biblical statement about Christ’s exclusive mediation is conclusive. Christ is the only Mediator, ‘for there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all’ (1 Tim 2:5-6).” It says that in some sense all Christians can participate in the mediation of salvation, and Mary’s participation was particularly close, but that should not be confused with the unique role of Christ. It states  “that only God, the Triune God, justifies. Only God raises us to overcome the infinite disproportion that separates us from divine life; only he acts in us with his Trinitarian indwelling; only he enters into us and transforms us, making us sharers in his divine life. It does not honour Mary to attribute to her any mediation in the accomplishment of this work that belongs exclusively to God.”

The document does affirm that Mary can make intercession on behalf of believers, because she is among the chosen and glorified with Christ. Of course, Protestants would not agree with that, as all prayer is seen to be directly addressed to God.

Overall, the document is a helpful clarification on Catholic Doctrine, that calls Roman Catholics at least some way back to the Bible. It is encouraging that through this Pope Leo has also opened a way to more ecumenical conversations. As we prepare for Christmas, we can indeed be grateful for Mary’s part in the incarnation and God’s work of salvation. But that should not distract from the central message of God’s grace through Jesus Christ.