Intercessio

Intercessio is a Latin noun meaning the act of interceding or mediating between parties. It derives from intercedere, meaning to go between or to intervene, with the suffix -io forming a noun. In classical and medieval usage, intercessio referred to mediation in disputes, petitions to authorities, or acts of intervention on behalf of others.

In secular contexts, intercessio describes any intervention intended to resolve a conflict or obtain a favorable outcome for someone else. In diplomacy and law, a mediator or third party may perform an intercessio by presenting arguments, negotiating terms, or requesting clemency.

In Christian theology, intercession denotes prayers or petitions offered on behalf of another. The intercession of saints is a distinctive feature of Catholic and Eastern Orthodox practice, in which believers ask saints or Mary to present their petitions to God. In many Protestant traditions, Christ is described as the only mediator, though some communities still speak of intercessory prayer or the intercession of believers.

Across its uses, intercessio emphasizes standing between parties to influence an outcome or appeal to a higher authority. The term appears in religious texts, liturgy, and scholarly discussions of mediation and prayer.