Cardinal Burke has appealed for the restoration of the Traditional Latin Mass. He expressed concerns about the current restrictions and hopes for a return to the pre-existing situation. Burke, known for his traditionalist views, emphasizes the importance of the Traditional Latin Mass for the Church. His appeal reflects ongoing debates within the Catholic Church regarding liturgical practices. Burke has appealed to Pope Leo for the restoration.
13 days ago
Cardinal Raymond Burke has formally requested Pope Leo XIV to lift the restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass 2. Speaking at the Latin Mass UK conference, Burke voiced his hope that Pope Leo would end the "persecution" of faithful Catholics who prefer the ancient Roman Rite 2. He desires a return to the situation after Summorum Pontificum and further development of Pope Benedict XVI's policies 2.
Following the Second Vatican Council, the Novus Ordo Missae was promulgated in 1969, leading to restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass 2. Pope John Paul II eased these restrictions in 1984 and 1988, and Pope Benedict XVI further liberalized its use in 2007 with Summorum Pontificum 2. However, Pope Francis reversed this trend in 2021 with Traditionis Custodes, increasing bishops' authority to regulate its use 2.
While Pope Leo XIV has not yet formally removed the restrictions, there are indications of a more tolerant approach 2. His remarks about the need to recover the sense of mystery in liturgies have been interpreted as a critique of Western liturgy 2. Reports also suggest that he offered the Traditional Latin Mass in his private chapel when he was Cardinal Prevost 2.
The Church clarifies liturgical tradition's role in fostering unity.
The Catholic Church views liturgical tradition as playing an essential role in fostering unity among the faithful . This unity is grounded in fidelity to the apostolic Tradition, which encompasses communion in faith and sacraments received from the apostles, and is signified and guaranteed by apostolic succession .
Liturgical traditions have developed through the Church's mission, with local churches celebrating the mystery of Christ through expressions characterized by their culture . These expressions include the tradition of the deposit of faith, liturgical symbolism, fraternal communion, theological understanding, and various forms of holiness . The Church is catholic, capable of integrating authentic cultural riches into her unity while purifying them .
Liturgy serves as a witness to the apostolic Tradition, preserved and developed in the Churches of the East and West . Liturgical renewal, when necessary, allows the faithful to draw deeply from liturgical tradition and its biblical, patristic, theological, and spiritual riches, enhancing their experience of the Mystery . Such renewal should be undertaken in cooperation with Churches not in full communion but sharing the same liturgical traditions, based on the Word of God, the tradition of each Church, and new insights of Christian theology and anthropology .
Maintaining a balance between tradition and progress is essential . Tradition is a living reality that includes the principle of development and progress . The Christian Liturgy is both the Liturgy of the promise fulfilled in Christ and the Liturgy of hope, a pilgrimage toward the transformation of the world .
The Eucharist is a sacrament that signifies and brings about the unity of the Church . Celebrating the Eucharist well allows the faithful to participate more fully, offering themselves with the priest and being drawn into closer union with God and each other .
Sacred Scripture and Tradition are closely connected, both originating from the same divine source . Tradition transmits the Word of God entrusted to the Apostles, while Scripture puts it in writing under the Holy Spirit's inspiration . The authentic interpretation of the Word of God is entrusted to the living Magisterium of the Church .
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in preserving, expounding, and correctly applying the commandments and teachings of Jesus in different times and places . This constant practice of the commandments signifies a deeper insight into Revelation and an understanding of new historical and cultural situations in light of faith .
In summary, liturgical tradition, rooted in apostolic Tradition and guided by the Magisterium, is a dynamic force that fosters unity within the Church amidst its diverse cultural expressions. The Eucharist, in particular, serves as a focal point for this unity, drawing believers closer to God and to one another.