Pope Leo XIV called for renewing reverence in the liturgical celebration, insisting that it must “comply with the established norms” and reflect the unity of the entire Church. His words were pronounced on Sunday, on the occasion of the feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, and were supported by the conciliar constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium to recall that the liturgy is “the summit toward which the activity of the Church tends” and the source of its spiritual life. The Pontiff pointed out that, especially in the See of Peter, the care of the liturgy must offer an example for the people of God, observing the norms, attending to diverse sensitivities, and respecting the principle of prudent inculturation.
Call for Sobriety and Fidelity to the Roman Tradition
Leo XIV emphasized that the liturgy must preserve the “sobriety” proper to the Roman tradition, a quality that, over the centuries, has nourished the spiritual life of countless faithful. He defended that this sobriety does not imply coldness, but the simple beauty of rites that express the authentic value of divine worship. Quoting Saint Augustine, he recalled that “beauty is nothing other than love, and love is life,” an affirmation that he applied directly to the celebration of the sacred mysteries. In this sense, he asked that special attention be paid to ensuring that the liturgy maintains the solemnity and ritual clarity that help the “harmonious growth of the Body of the Lord”.
«I desire that whoever approaches the altar of the cathedral of Rome may leave filled with that grace with which the Lord desires to flood the world,» he concluded.
Anticipation Ahead of Possible Decisions on Traditional Liturgy
While several progressive bishops continue to impose restrictions on traditional forms of Catholic liturgy, a sector of the faithful people awaits an eventual intervention by the Pope on the future of these celebrations, including the Tridentine Mass. The words of Leo XIV, centered on unity, tradition, and ritual sobriety, reignite interest in knowing where he will ultimately direct his magisterium on liturgical matters.