Evangelical theologian critiques Vatican note on Mary as ‘Co-redemptrix': ‘No Christ alone theology’

An Evangelical theologian has questioned the theological coherence of a recent Vatican doctrinal note addressing the controversial Marian title “Co-redemptrix,” arguing that while the document slows momentum toward defining a new dogma, it simultaneously reaffirms a Roman Catholic framework that leaves the issue unresolved.

Leonardo De Chirico, an Italian Evangelical pastor and scholar, offered the assessment in a commentary published Dec. 1 on his Vatican Files website, responding to a Nov. 4 note issued by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith titled Mater Populis Fidelis. The note addresses long-running debates within Roman Catholicism over language describing Mary’s role in salvation, particularly whether she can be formally designated as “Co-redemptrix.”

According to De Chirico, the Vatican document signals a temporary pause rather than a definitive rejection of the title, reflecting internal tensions within Catholic Mariology and the absence of a clearly settled position.

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