We learned this week that Mariologists were not consulted in the writing of the recent “Doctrinal Note,” of the DDF, Mater Populi Fidelis. With all the emphasis on collegiality, synodality, dialogue, etc. — and with the plethora of consultants the Roman dicasteries have available to them — one wonders why there were no actual experts in the field that were consulted.
Now, a prominent Roman Mariologist is openly critical of Mater Populi Fidelis. “Father Salvatore Maria Perrella, OSM, former Professor of Dogmatics and Mariology at the Pontifical Theological Faculty Marianum and twice its Dean” is no outsider to these matters. “A member of the Order of the Servants of Mary (Servites), in July 2025 Fr. Perrella currently serves as Conventual Prior of the Community of the Seven Holy Founders in Rome, where he also facilitates collaboration between the Pontifical International Marian Academy, other Pontifical Theological Faculties, and the Apostolic See.” (The quotes here are from Diane Montagna’s Substack: “Marian Theologian Esteemed by Benedict XVI Critiques ‘Mater Populi Fidelis’.”)
Father Perrella bluntly stated that “The document required more careful consideration and refinement, but above all it should have been prepared by persons competent in the field.” That is speaking with a great deal of … I think “liberty” is the word.
The respected Servite Mariologist also has some interesting things to say about how Pope Francis’ reorganization of the Holy See adversely affected Mariology, though he does not develop this line of thought in much detail:
To understand the new Norms and what has emerged in these two years of Cardinal Fernández’s prefecture, one must always keep before one’s eyes the constantly looming figure of Pope Francis, particularly his reform of the Roman Curia in Praedicate Evangelium. That constitution, which shattered all the diplomatic, political, and operational customs of the Vatican, has also had an impact on Mariology and the Church’s Marian identity. With the reform of the Curia, under Francis, the Secretariat of State lost its primacy and its coordinating role, while the principal dicastery became that for Evangelization. However, the primacy of evangelization cannot disregard the words of Christ, who did not abolish even the smallest letter of the Law (cf. Mt 5:17-19). This fundamental principle should have guided—and should continue to guide—magisterial statements with greater caution, greater respect for history and the present in a forward-looking perspective, and with careful attention to other realities. This also applies to the question of Marian titles.
Perhaps the most blunt statement the Servant of Mary made was a very by-the-way remark:
And the Note, which I would describe as “too Monophysite,” unfortunately does not help to foster the integral and comprehensive understanding of the Christian faith that is needed.
“Just how much Monophysite is OK, Father?” — I am tempted to ask, but one understands the informal nature of the conversational interview. Considering that Monophysitism — condemned by Pope Leo the Great and the Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon — is the heresy that denies Our Lord’s sacred humanity, that’s what a fellow I knew in seminary used to call “a heavy charge”! I for one would love to hear Father Perrella connect the dots between Mater Populi Fidelis and the Monophysite heresy.
Read the interview at Diane Montagna’s Substack…
Left: Fr Salvatore Perrella. Right: Cardinal Victor Fernández, credit: Lola Gomez
