The Traditional Latin Mass returns to the center of the debate following the statements of Pope Leo XIV in an interview granted to Crux for the biography Leo XIV: citizen of the world, missionary of the 21st century.
Asked about the tensions surrounding the liturgy, the Pope warned against the “instrumentalization of the Mass as a political tool,” although he clarified that there is no problem in celebrating the Mass in Latin as long as it is in the rite of Paul VI. “It can be celebrated in Latin right now. If it is the rite of Vatican II, there is no problem,” he affirmed.
A Critical Reading from the Latin Mass Society
Dr. Joseph Shaw, president of the Latin Mass Society and of Una Voce International, analyzed the Pontiff’s words in exclusive statements to the Catholic Herald.
Shaw highlighted that while Vatican News emphasized the Pope’s warning about the political use of the liturgy, Crux offered a broader context that points to problems in the celebration of the Novus Ordo. “When he speaks of instrumentalization, he is referring to the abuses in the Novus Ordo,” he assured.
The academic recalled that much of the demand for the Traditional Mass arises from dissatisfaction with irreverent celebrations in the modern rite. “A more careful celebration of the Novus Ordo would reduce the calls for the ancient Mass,” he explained.
Substantial Differences Between Rites
Although the Pope suggested that between a Novus Ordo in Latin and a Tridentine Mass there would be few differences, Shaw insisted that the gap remains wide. Among them he mentioned:
- the silent canon,
- the structure of the liturgy,
- the sobriety in the texts,
- the absence of modern elements such as altar girls, lay readers, or extraordinary ministers.
These distinctions, he affirmed, shape a unique spiritual atmosphere in the Traditional Mass that cannot be reduced to a matter of language.
A Decision Still Pending
The future of the Traditional Mass remains in suspense. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti declared to the Catholic Herald that the final decision corresponds to the Pope: “We will wait for what the Holy Father says.”
According to Shaw, this indefinites generates a “liturgical limbo” among the faithful: “Perhaps he has not yet decided, perhaps he has, but he will communicate his decision in due time.”
Opening to Dialogue with Traditional Faithful
Even so, Shaw celebrated that the Pope listens to the concerns of those who love the traditional liturgy. “I welcome with hope his openness toward Catholics united to the Mass of all time,” he concluded.
For many, these words allow a glimpse of a space for dialogue that could avoid new clashes in the Church and open a path of reconciliation around the liturgical treasure of tradition.