Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Episcopal Conference, participated this Friday afternoon in the Solemn Vespers according to the traditional liturgy held at the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Rome, marking the start of the annual Summorum Pontificum pilgrimage.
According to various attendees, the temple was completely full, with faithful standing and many gathered outside the venue, in an atmosphere of fervor and respect for the traditional liturgy.
Video by Michael Haynes @MLJHaynes
Prominent Presence of Cardinals
Among the attendees was also Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, a known defender of the traditional Roman rite. The cardinal participated in the evening prayer and it was announced that tomorrow he will preside over Holy Mass in the Vatican, as the central part of the meeting’s celebrations.
An Annual Gathering in Defense of the Liturgical Tradition
The Summorum Pontificum pilgrimage was born with the purpose of manifesting filial fidelity to the Apostolic See and preserving the use of the traditional liturgy within the Church’s communion. Every year, thousands of faithful come to Rome to attend conferences, prayers, and Latin liturgical celebrations, culminating in the Solemn Holy Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.
The participation of Cardinal Zuppi, considered close to Pope Leo XIV and representative of the moderate wing of the Italian hierarchy, has been interpreted as a gesture of openness towards the faithful of the ancient rite, in a context where liturgical restrictions continue to be a subject of debate within the Church.