Faithful Worldwide Petition Pope Leo XIV to Re-examine “Mater Populi Fidelis”

Today, as Catholics around the world celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, a global “filial appeal” initiative is being launched, respectfully urging Pope Leo XIV to re-examine Mater Populi Fidelis.

Titled, A Filial Appeal to Pope Leo XIV, the initiative comes amid persistent and intensifying concerns over last month’s doctrinal Note on the Marian titles “Co-redemptrix” and “Mediatrix of All Graces,” issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.

“With filial devotion we address this appeal to Your Holiness, giving humble voice to the dismay and consternation felt by a significant portion of the holy People of God after the publication, on 4 November 2025, of the mariological Note Mater Populi Fidelis by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith,” the letter begins.

The one-page appeal continues:

“As children of the Church, our consciences are profoundly troubled as we read the statements contained in this Note regarding certain Marian titles that refer to the cooperation of Mary Most Holy in the work of our salvation. How can we not be afflicted to see this new mariological position set itself in clear opposition to the teaching handed down until now—teaching which has always recognized in the Virgin Mary a unique, real, and maternal role in the economy of Redemption?”

Written by noted Italian Mariologist, Father Serafino Lanzetta, the filial appeal is already available in six languages, with more forthcoming.

Continue reading at Diane Montagna Substack