Five Popes Who Called Mary Co-Redemptrix

Popes Who Have Referred to Mary as "Co-Redemptrix"

The title "Co-Redemptrix" (indicating Mary's unique cooperation in the work of redemption accomplished by Christ) has been used explicitly by five Popes in official Church documents, encyclicals, or addresses. This usage underscores her subordinate but essential role in salvation history, as affirmed in Catholic theology. Below is a table summarizing these instances with key references:

PopeYearDocument or AddressKey Quote or Context

St. Pius X1904Ad Diem Illum Laetissimum (encyclical on the Immaculate Conception)"It was she [Mary] who gave her own Son to redeem the human race... hence we rightly call her Co-Redemptrix of the human race."

Benedict XV1918Compertum Sane (apostolic letter on St. Boniface)Refers to Mary as "Co-Redemptrix" in the context of her sorrowful participation in Christ's Passion.

Pius XI1933Explorata Res (encyclical to the bishops of Peru)Describes Mary as "the Co-Redemptrix who, united with her Son, redeemed the human race." (Also used in Miserentissimus Redemptor, 1928.)

Pius XII1950Radio message on the Jubilee YearCalls Mary "Co-Redemptrix" while proclaiming the dogma of the Assumption. (Also in Haurietis Aquas, 1956.)

St. John Paul II1997Address to the Pontifical International Marian Academy"Mary, Co-Redemptrix, who cooperates fully in the redemptive work of her Son." (Also referenced in Redemptoris Mater, 1987, and a 1982 address.)

These references are drawn from the Acta Apostolicae Sedis (official Vatican records) and papal writings, confirming the term's magisterial endorsement without implying equality with Christ.

Saints Who Have Referred to Mary as "Co-Redemptrix"

Numerous canonized saints have explicitly used the title "Co-Redemptrix" or equivalent phrasing in their writings, sermons, or spiritual works, emphasizing Mary's fiat (consent) at the Annunciation and her presence at the Cross as cooperative acts in redemption. While early Church Fathers (e.g., St. Irenaeus, St. Ephrem) described her cooperative role, the precise Latin term emerged later and was adopted by these saints. At least six prominent non-Pope saints have done so clearly. Here's a table:

SaintLifespanKey Work or ContextKey Quote or Context

St. John Eudes1601–1680Le Cœur Admirable (on the Hearts of Jesus and Mary)Credited as the first to systematically use "Co-Redemptrix," calling her "the Co-Redemptrix of the world" for her meritorious suffering with Christ.

St. Alphonsus Liguori1696–1787The Glories of MaryDescribes Mary as "Co-Redemptrix" who "paid the ransom for our sins" through her compassion at Calvary.

St. Leonard of Port Maurice1676–1751Sermons on the PassionRefers to her as "Co-Redemptrix" in preaching on her role in offering Christ to the Father.

St. Gemma Galgani1878–1903Autobiography and lettersIn visions, calls Mary her "Co-Redemptrix," uniting her sufferings to Mary's for souls' redemption.

St. Maximilian Kolbe1894–1941Writings on Mariology (e.g., Knight of the Immaculata)Frequently uses "Co-Redemptrix," teaching that Mary "redeems with Christ" as Mediatrix of all graces.

St. Padre Pio (Pio of Pietrelcina)1887–1968Letters and spiritual counselsPromoted the title, writing to supporters of the dogma that Mary is "our Co-Redemptrix."

These are substantiated in the saints' approved writings (e.g., via the Vatican's Index Sanctorum and biographies from the Roman Martyrology). Additional saints like St. Catherine Labouré (of the Miraculous Medal) imply it through devotion but do not use the exact term.

Approved Marian Apparitions

No approved Marian apparitions (those recognized as "worthy of belief" by the Catholic Church, such as Our Lady of Guadalupe, Lourdes, or Fatima) contain messages where Mary explicitly states or is described as "Co-Redemptrix." The apparitions focus on themes like repentance, prayer, and her maternal intercession (e.g., Fatima's calls for the Rosary and consecration to her Immaculate Heart), but avoid technical theological titles like this one. Private revelations sometimes include it (e.g., unapproved claims in the Lady of All Nations apparitions), but none from the Church's 18 approved public apparitions do.

Summary

Popes: 5 called her co-redemptrix

Saints: At least 6 saints called her co-redemptrix

Total: At least 11 Popes or Saints have called her co-redeptrix. 

Proponents of defining "Co-Redemptrix" as dogma garnered a movement with over 8 million signatures from Catholics as of 2023. For deeper reading on this I recommend Dr Mark Miravalle's 'With Jesus: Maria Co-Redemptrix' (2003).