Mariology of the saints
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Throughout history, Catholic Mariology has been influenced by a number of saints who have attested to the central role of Mary in God's plan of salvation. The analysis of Early Church Fathers continues to be reflected in modern encyclicals. Irenaeus vigorously defended the title of "Theotokos" or Mother of God. The views of Anthony of Padua, Robert Bellarmine and others supported the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, which was declared a dogma in 1850.
Madonna and Child with saints by Duccio, 14th century
The Vision of St Bernard, by Fra Bartolommeo, c. 1504 (Uffizi).
Saint Petrus Canisius contributed to the Hail Mary prayer.
Madonna painted by St. Alphonsus Liguori, c. 1718
Mariology of the popes
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The Mariology of the popes is the theological study of the influence that the popes have had on the development, formulation and transformation of the Roman Catholic Church's doctrines and devotions relating to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Pope Leo XIII
Leo XIII was devoted to Our Lady of Good Counsel, and included her invocation in the Litany of Loreto. This image is by Pasquale Sarullo, the original being in Genazzano, near Rome. Pius XII also placed his pontificate under the maternal care of Our Lady of Good Counsel and composed a prayer to her.
Pope Pius XII