Marian theologian, esteemed by Benedict XVI, critiques “Mater Populi Fidelis”

Father Salvatore Maria Perrella, OSM via Diane Montagna

Monday, November 24, 2025

One of Church’s leading authorities on Mariology has sharply criticized Mater Populi Fidelis, saying the document reveals the theological and methodological incompetence of those who produced it. Fr. Salvatore Maria Perrella, OSM, former Professor of Dogmatics, says the new DDF doctrinal note on traditional Marian titles by the Doctrine of the Faith under Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández should have been more carefully considered and refined. He emphasized that, above all, “it should have been prepared by persons competent in the field.”