One of the most controversial aspects of Pope Francis’ legacy as a leader of the Catholic Church is his decision to limit the old form of Catholic liturgy known as the traditional Latin Mass.
Francis explained that he decided to limit Latin Mass because he was concerned that its use had led to church division. Francis said he felt that older Mass “is being used in an ideological way” in response to modernity, including the more modern Vatican II Mass.
The mass from the Latin “Mass,” meaning “sacrifice,” consists of “liturgy of the words” and “liturgy of the Eucharist,” the latter considered the most sacred and best form of worship by Catholics.
Formed by Pope St. Pius V in 1570 and continues to be practiced by several Catholics today, the Latin Mass has some important differences from the more common Vatican II Mass, founded in 1969. These differences include the whole mass, not “facing east” (“east”), but the Latin and the priestly priests’ words.
Bells attending the Vatican to mark the death of Pope Francis
One of the most controversial aspects of Pope Francis’ legacy as a leader of the Catholic Church is his decision to limit the old form of Catholic liturgy known as the traditional Latin Mass. (AP Photo/Andrew Medicini)
During the 12-year bishop, Francis took several actions to limit the use of Latin Mass around the world. As a result, Latin Mass is relegated to a very limited number of churches, often only offered by priests belonging to a particular command, often explicitly dedicated to it.
In 2021, Francis issued a series of instructions called “Motupolio,” where he placed a sweep limit on the Latin Mass. In 2023, Francis issued additional restrictions on the Latin Mass, requiring the bishops to obtain express approval from the Vatican, allowing them to be said in their jurisdiction, and prohibiting newly appointed priests from saying it.
This direction diverged from the policy of Francis’ predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.
During a conversation with the Jesuits in 2023, Francis explained that he felt that his predecessor’s allowances were “used in an ideological way and used to retreat.”
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During the 12-year bishop, Francis took several actions to limit the use of Latin Mass around the world.
“That’s the danger today Indietrismoa response to modern times. It’s a nostalgic illness,” he said. [the Latin Mass] It is essential for all newly consecrated priests. ”
Francis said the restrictions were “necessary to stop this.” Indietrismothat was not the idyllic vision of my predecessor. ”
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Nevertheless, Francis made it clear that certain orders of priests, such as the fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP), were not affected by restrictions.
After a 2024 meeting between Francis, the head of the FSSP, and Fr. Francis and Father Andrzezi Komorowski, the order said, “It made clear in the audience that institutes like the Fraternity of St. Peter would not affect the general provisions of the general provisions of Motu’s existence.
