Bishops respond cautiously to papal directive on Latin Mass

July 19, 2021

While Pope Francis indicated that his motu proprio Traditionis Custodes should take effect immediately, many bishops have responded that the papal document will require study before implementation.

Thus although some bishops have announced an immediate halt to the celebration of the traditional Latin Mass, many others—particularly in the US—have said that there will be no changes, at least for the present.

• Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles, the president of the US bishops’ conference, set the tone for the American hierarchy. Welcoming the papal document, he encouraged “my brother bishops to work with care, patience, justice, and charity as together we foster a Eucharistic renewal in our nation.”
• Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone issued his own statement within hours after the promulgation of Traditionis Custodes, saying: “the traditional Latin Mass will continue to be available here in the Archdiocese of San Francisco and provided in response to the legitimate needs and desires of the faithful.”
• In Washingon, DC, Cardinal Wilton Gregory wrote to his priest that he would “prayerfully reflect on Traditionis Custodes in the coming weeks to ensure we understand fully the Holy Father’s intentions and consider carefully how they are realized.” He added that priests using the traditional liturgy had permission to continue doing so “until further guidance is forthcoming.”
• Similarly, in Arlington, Virginia, Bishop Michael Burbidge promised to “review [the document] in greater detail and offer further guidance to our priests in the near future.” He gave permission for all scheduled traditional liturgies to continue.
• Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City used similar language, granting “temporary permission” for the celebration of the Latin Mass “until further study and clarification can inform an appropriate implementation of this document.”

Cardinal Raymond Burke, a leading expert on canon law, observed that it would be unrealistic to expect immediate implementation of the motu proprio because it “contains many elements that require study regarding its application.” He also lamented the tone of the papal document, saying that it was “marked by a harshness” toward traditionalists, and voiced his hope that “the faithful will not give way to the discouragement which such harshness necessarily engenders.”

The Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter—established to promote the use of the traditional liturgy—issued a statement reaffirming “that we remain committed to serving the faithful attending our apostolates in accordance with our constitutions and charism as we have done since our founding.” Addressing the fears of traditionalist Catholics, the Fraternity said: “We must strive to see this Cross as a means of our sanctification, and to remember that God will never abandon His Church.”

In France—a country that has seen some direct clashes between bishops and traditionalists—the episcopal conference issued a statement expressing “esteem” for the spiritual zeal of the traditionalist faithful, “and their determination to pursue their mission together, in communion with the Church and according to the norms in force.” The French bishops, too, remarked that the implementation of the papal decree would “be done by dialogue, and will take time.”

One of the strongest negative responses to Traditionis Custodes came from Cardinal Gehard Müller, the former prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, who said: “The clear intent is to condemn the Extraordinary Form to extinction in the long run.” Cardinal Müller contrasted the Pope’s campaign to curb the traditionalist movement, in the cause of Church unity, with his failure “to put an end to the innumerable ‘progressive’ abuses of the liturgy… that are tantamount to blasphemy.” He said that “the image of the misguided fire brigade comes to mind, which—instead of saving the blazing house—instead first saves the small barn next to it.”

 

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Further information:

• U.S. Bishops Conference President Responds to Holy Father’s Apostolic Letter Motu Proprio “On the Use of the Roman Liturgy Prior to the Reform of 1970” (USCCB)
• Bishops issue guidance in response to Pope Francis' document on the Traditional Latin Mass (CNA)