Tridentine revival rumors-- again

By Diogenes ( articles ) | Oct 11, 2006

The London Times is reporting that Pope Benedict will soon issue the long-awaited document allowing for widespread use of the Tridentine rite.

OK, now, relax. We've heard these rumors before. And this is a London Times story. We've had reason to point out, in the recent past, how dreadful the Times coverage of Vatican affairs can be.

Today's article is another example: a journalistic stew of rehashed rumors, unattributed citations, and inaccurate analysis. Still this passage was interesting...

Pope Benedict XVI is understood to have signed a universal indult — or permission — for priests to celebrate again the Mass used throughout the Church for nearly 1,500 years. The indult could be published in the next few weeks, sources told The Times.

The Times is hearing what everybody else is hearing. The consensus among the rumor-mongers is that the papal document will appear in November. That's speculation; nobody really knows. But it's coming: a motu proprio authorizing all priests to celebrate the Tridentine Mass without special permission.