A centerpiece of Roman Catholic theology is the veneration of Mary, mother of Jesus. Mary, in the eyes of Roman Catholic prelates, has reached the position of co-redemptrix and intercessor. Being favored does not elevate her to the position of intercessor, co-redemptrix, or the center of worship. The phrase, "Blessed are you among women" was spoken by Mary's cousin Elizabeth and not the angel Gabriel (as the author of the rosary would have us assume). Jesus in Luke 11 puts the veneration issue into perspective by focusing upon conduct and behavior rather than veneration of a person. Likewise, the Protestant veneration of Christ without accompanying behavior change is useless. The origin of Mary worship derives from the worship of Semiramis and her son Tammuz in Babylonian tradition and has become syncretized into Roman Catholic tradition.