Pope Leo has presented a new doctrine for the church stating that “Jesus alone saved the world,” further warning that a focus on Mary “obscures Christ’s unique salvific mediation.”

If true, the impact of this official change in doctrine cannot be overstated. For centuries, Mary has been venerated as a Co-redemptrix (or Mediatrix), one who participated in the pain and suffering of Christ and therefore was part of the salvation of mankind. What the Pope is now suggesting is that Christ’s work on the cross is God’s exclusive plan for salvation. This change would bring Catholicism more in line with Protestant theology, which holds the belief that salvation is through God’s grace in providing His Son as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of mankind. Those who are saved come to Him by faith, accepting Christ as Lord and Savior.

However, there should be caution in assuming Pope Leo is actually making a major change in Catholic theology, for three reasons …

1. Is the Pope speaking ex cathedra?

The concept of ex cathedra is based on the line of succession from Peter all the way to Pope Leo. From Catholic theology and tradition, it is assumed that the Pope can provide continuing revelations from God for those times when he is speaking with the authority of his office. In that case, official Catholic theology makes the claim that the Pope is infallible in his pronouncements. Historically, the use of this official language (ex cathedra) has been applied only twice in the history of the Roman Catholic Church. Interestingly, both (1850 and 1854) instances were about Mary. The first stating that she was conceived without original sin, and the second that her body and soul went directly to Heaven (an assumption that she did not actually die).

For Pope Leo to make such a statement that Mary is no longer considered a Co-redeemer in salvation is such a major change in the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church that it would seem to be necessary that it be made official and formal rather than a few pronouncements on the subject.

2. Was the Pope merely removing titles?

There are some theologians in Roman Catholic circles who are suggesting that this was merely a change in Mary’s title, removing Co-redemptrix, without actually changing her importance in the salvation of mankind. This opinion is summarized by the following:

“At this point, we ought to remember that this is a discussion about titles, not so much about doctrine. There may be a couple of lines in the document that deal with the doctrine of Mary’s role in dispensing graces, but those will be fleshed out over time. For us, the most important thing to remember is that heavenly realities are not changing. Mary still exercises her role as the most powerful intercessor in all of Heaven, and the many saints, Doctors of the Church, and papal teachings (including encyclicals) stressing Mary’s mediation are not being thrown in the trash. The Church doesn’t just change doctrine like that, so pray a Hail Mary and ask our Lady for peace.”

3. Who is being saved anyway?

Pope Leo has yet to qualify comments made by his predecessor, Pope Francis, with regard to a broadening of a more universalistic theology that suggests many faith traditions that are totally ignorant and opposed to Roman Catholicism may have their own pathway to Heaven. Terms such as “anonymous Christian,” where there remains the possibility of those outside Catholicism may actually be Catholics but not know it, have been floating around the church for many years. Pope Francis added to that confusion in 2024, saying about other religions:

“They are like different languages in order to arrive at God, but God is God for all. Since God is God for all, then we are all children of God …. There’s only one God, and each of us has a language to arrive at God. Some are Sheik, Muslim, Hindu, Christian, and they are different paths [to God].”

Conclusion

There are certainly many within the Roman Catholic Church that are taking these recent comments by Pope Leo seriously in a very negative light, as well as others who are applauding them. As Biblical Christians, we need to be reminded that removing Mary from her venerated role as part of the salvation of mankind does not bring our theology into alignment with Roman Catholicism. It remains a works-based, rather than grace-based theology. There will be many Catholics in Heaven, but they will not be there due to formal Roman Catholic beliefs. To quote two among many respected born-again theologians …

John MacArthur – “As in so many points, as I’ve been saying, Roman Catholicism is a mix.  It is mostly paganism with a little Christianity sprinkled into it and with a lot of Christian terminology in order to deceive and delude souls.  It is a demonic religion that does not bring salvation.  Cannot.” (details here)

R.C. Sproul – “I have written in strong terms in Are We Together? because I believe the errors of the Roman Catholic Church are deep and significant. I am happy to make common cause with Roman Catholics on social issues, but we have no common cause in the gospel. Rome has compromised the gospel with her unbiblical doctrines. I firmly believe that she is “teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:9). (details here)

POSTSCRIPT: A quote from one of the early (339-397AD) fathers that makes a good point offered by a reader… “Mary was the temple of God but not God in the temple. Therefore, only the one who was in the temple can be worshipped.”