I’ve got some more Christian news to share, and I already know this one may not sit comfortably with everyone. During a recent address, Pope Leo made a declaration that surprised many Catholics and reignited a long-standing theological conversation within the Church. His message was direct and unmistakable: Jesus Christ alone is to be worshiped.

Not Mary.
Not the saints.
Not any spiritual figure elevated alongside Christ.

Pope Leo emphasized that while Mary is to be honored, respected, and called blessed—as Scripture itself affirms—she is not divine. She is not a co-redeemer, and she is not someone believers should pray to as an intercessor equal to Jesus Christ. That distinction matters.

According to the Pope’s statement, the cross was a one-man mission. Redemption was completed fully, sufficiently, and perfectly by Jesus alone. Nothing needs to be added to His sacrifice. No co-redeemers. No co-mediators. No spiritual assistants. To introduce such ideas, he warned, distorts the gospel message and ultimately confuses the Church about the nature of salvation.

And honestly, I agree.

Honoring Mary is biblical. Elevating her to a role that belongs only to Christ is not. Scripture is clear that there is one mediator between God and humanity—Jesus Christ. When believers begin to place their hope, prayers, or spiritual dependence on anyone else in a way that rivals Christ’s role, something has gone off course.

Here’s where my take may be uncomfortable for some—but it needs to be said. If this message offends you because it challenges praying to Mary or attributing divine authority to her, then the issue may not be veneration. It may be idolatry. Veneration honors. Idolatry replaces. And the line between the two becomes clear when emotions, traditions, or long-held practices are placed above what Scripture actually teaches.

This isn’t about dismissing church history or attacking personal devotion. It’s not about disrespecting Mary, who faithfully served God and humbly submitted to His will. It’s about keeping worship where it belongs. Christianity does not stand on tradition alone. It stands on truth.

At the end of the day, this isn’t about what feels comforting or familiar. It’s not about what we were taught growing up. It’s about what God’s Word says. When we allow the Holy Spirit—not tradition, not emotion, not culture—to guide us into all truth, clarity follows.

I share this with love, not condemnation. These conversations matter because the gospel matters. Jesus is enough. He always has been.