ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has intervened for the third time to restrict the celebration of the ancient Latin Mass, in a sign of continued tension with Catholic traditionalists.
In a new canonical decree released on Tuesday, the pope reaffirmed that the Holy See must approve all new Old Rite ceremonies by signing decrees of bishops to appoint additional diocesan churches for Latin Mass or to allow new priests to order the office.
The document establishes that the Vatican Liturgical Office, headed by British Cardinal Arthur Roche, is responsible for evaluating this type of request on behalf of the Holy See, and indicates that all requests of bishops should be directed there.
For weeks, traditional Catholic blogs and websites have reported another limitation on the ancient rite, following Francis’ decision in 2021 to re-impose restrictions on its use, which his predecessor, then-Pope Benedict XVI, eased in 2007.
The new decree does not restrict celebration but rather repeats previous regulations. His insistence on Roche’s authority in this process seemed to silence traditional allegations that the cardinal had overstepped his mandate. Francis approved the decree on Monday during a private meeting with Roach.
Francis’ restrictions on ancient rites infuriated his conservative and traditionalist critics, many of whom also attacked him for his concern for the environment, social justice, and immigrants.
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