Marian Theologian Esteemed by Benedict XVI Critiques “Mater Populi Fidelis”

“The document required more careful consideration and refinement, but above all it should have been prepared by persons competent in the field.”​

ROME, 21 November 2025—One of Church’s leading authorities on Mariology has sharply criticized Mater Populi Fidelis, saying the document reveals the theological and methodological incompetence of those who produced it.

In a recent interview with Swiss media (RSI), Father Salvatore Maria Perrella, OSM, former Professor of Dogmatics and Mariology at the Pontifical Theological Faculty Marianum and twice its Dean, said the new doctrinal Note on the Marian titles “Co-redemptrix” and “Mediatrix of All Graces,” issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith under Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, should have been more carefully considered and refined. He emphasized that, above all, “it should have been prepared by persons competent in the field.”

The respected Italian Mariologist argues that the Note draws excessively on Pope Francis, whose perspective dominates the text in a way he finds unbalanced and lacking depth. He suggests the result is a document that falls short of the competence, thoroughness, and historical grounding normally expected from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.

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