In message to French bishops, Pope Leo XIV called for \u201cconcrete solutions\u201d to heal divisions over the Mass.<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV has called for renewed unity in the Church\u2019s liturgical life, urging French bishops to seek \u201cconcrete solutions\u201d to include Catholics attached to the Traditional Latin Mass while preserving communion.<\/p>\n
In a message sent through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, to the French bishops\u2019 spring plenary assembly in Lourdes (March 24\u201326), the pope expressed concern over divisions surrounding the liturgy, describing them as \u201ca painful wound\u201d within the Church.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is troubling that a painful wound continues to open in the Church concerning the celebration of the Mass, the very sacrament of unity,\u201d the message stated.<\/p>\n
The pope emphasized the need for a renewed spirit of charity and understanding among Catholics of differing liturgical sensibilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cA new outlook of each toward the other, with greater understanding of their sensitivities, is certainly necessary,\u201d he wrote, \u201can outlook that would allow brothers and sisters, enriched by their diversity, to welcome one another in charity and in the unity of the faith.\u201d<\/p>\n
Addressing the growth of communities attached to the \u201cVetus Ordo,\u201d Leo XIV encouraged bishops to discern practical ways forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cMay the Holy Spirit inspire you with concrete solutions that allow for the generous inclusion of those sincerely attached to the \u2018Vetus Ordo,\u2019 in respect for the directions desired by the Second Vatican Council in matters of liturgy,\u201d the message said.<\/p>\n
Benedict XVI in 2007 broadly liberalized celebration of the preconciliar liturgy in Summorum Pontificum, allowing wider use of the Traditional Latin Mass, but Pope Francis in 2021 sharply restricted that permission in Traditionis Custodes, returning tighter control to diocesan bishops. <\/p>\n
The debate has taken on fresh urgency in France in part because of the Society of St. Pius X, founded by French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre and known for celebrating only the traditional liturgy. The SSPX said in February that it plans to consecrate bishops on July 1 without a pontifical mandate, a step canon law says carries automatic excommunication for both the consecrating bishop and the one ordained.<\/p>\n
Beyond liturgical concerns, the pope also addressed the ongoing abuse crisis, urging perseverance in prevention efforts and continued care for victims.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is appropriate to persevere over the long term in the prevention measures that have been undertaken,\u201d he wrote, while also calling for the Church to show \u201cattention to victims and the mercy of God toward all,\u201d including offending priests, who should not be excluded from pastoral reflection.<\/p>\n
After \u201cyears of painful crises,\u201d the pope added, \u201cthe time has come to turn resolutely toward the future\u201d and to offer \u201ca message of encouragement and confidence\u201d to priests in France.<\/p>\n
The message also highlighted the importance of Catholic education amid increasing societal pressure on Catholic institutions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith respect for the convictions of each and with constant concern to welcome all,\u201d the pope encouraged bishops \u201cto defend with determination the Christian dimension of Catholic education which, without reference to Jesus Christ, would lose its reason for being.\u201d<\/p>\n
This story\u00a0was first published\u00a0by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.<\/p>\n