Pope Francis issued the motu proprio Traditionis Custodes on July 16, 2021, restricting Masses celebrated in the extraordinary form of the Roman Rite. The pope made sweeping changes to his predecessor Benedict XVI’s 2007 apostolic letter Summorum Pontificum, which acknowledged the right of all priests to say Mass using the Roman Missal of 1962, which is in Latin. Traditionis custodes (“Guardians of the tradition”) is dedicated to “the use of the Roman Liturgy prior to the reform of 1970,” contains eight articles that go into immediate effect.
The Latest
Pope Francis: ‘It’s not possible to worship God while making the liturgy a battleground’
Pope Francis said that the liturgy should not be “a battleground” for “outdated issues.” Read more
You saw the guitar blessing? There was more to that Mass that you missed
A tweeted video clip of a priest using a guitar to bless the congregation at the end of Mass sparked... Read more
What is Pope Francis’ plan for traditionalist groups?
A new decree underlines the pope’s complex relationship with the traditionalist world. Read more
Traditionalist communities cautiously optimistic after FSSP news
Traditional Latin Mass attendees expressed cautious optimism on Monday after a traditionalist community released a communique detailing their continued permission... Read more
What is the FSSP?
The Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, a society of apostolic life which celebrates the Roman rite according to the liturgical... Read more
FSSP says Pope Francis has issued decree confirming its use of 1962 liturgical books
The decree reportedly followed two FSSP members’ private audience with the pope. Read more
Saddened by restrictions, NFL star speaks out in defense of Traditional Latin Mass
In an exclusive interview with CNA, Kansas City Chiefs placekicker Harrison Butker shares his love of the Traditional Latin Mass... Read more
2,800 Catholics sign Traditional Latin Mass petition delivered to Arlington bishop
Nearly 2,800 supporters of the Traditional Latin Mass have signed a petition addressed to Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington. The... Read more
Cardinal Nichols: Traditional rite confirmations no longer permitted
The Latin Mass Society urged the cardinal to reconsider his stance. Read more
'Devastated' Traditional Latin Mass devotees petition Arlington bishop to ease restrictions
Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington has prohibited baptisms and weddings in the Extraordinary Form, citing Pope Francis' new directive curbing... Read more
Cardinal Cupich issues new restrictions on Traditional Latin Masses
Cardinal Blase Cupich has issued a new policy for the Archdiocese of Chicago that curtails the celebration of the Traditional... Read more
Traditional Latin Mass restrictions: Here's what you need to know
New moves by Pope Francis mean changes for Catholics dedicated to the Traditional Latin Mass —and for the priests and... Read more
Traditionis custodes: Vatican further tightens restrictions on Traditional Latin Mass
The explanatory document, which bans confirmations and ordinations according to pre-Vatican II Roman Missals, was published Dec. 18 with Pope... Read more
Bishop of Charleston prohibits confirmation, anointing of the sick in ‘Tridentine Form’
Priests in the Diocese of Charleston, S.C. may no longer administer confirmation or the anointing of the sick in Latin... Read more
Vatican archbishop: Traditional Latin Mass ‘experiment’ not successful in reconciling SSPX
Archbishop Roche discussed Pope Francis’ motu proprio Traditionis custodes in a television interview. Read more
Traditionis custodes: Rome diocese bans Traditional Latin Mass for Easter Triduum
No other sacraments may be celebrated according to the pre-Vatican II missal except the Mass. Read more
Vatican liturgy chief: Traditional Latin Mass ‘abrogated by Pope St. Paul VI’
Archbishop Arthur Roche was replying to a letter from a cardinal. Read more
Bishops of Lake Charles, Raleigh issue statements on Latin Mass
Three months after the release of Traditionis custodes, Pope Francis’ restrictions on traditional liturgies, U.S. bishops are continuing to implement... Read more
Churchgoing Catholics disapprove of limits on Traditional Latin Mass, but Pope Francis still popular
Pope Francis’ restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass appear to be unpopular among regularly practicing Catholics, but most American Catholics... Read more
Traditional Latin Masses to end in some Houston parishes but continue in others, Cardinal DiNardo says
Several parishes may continue to celebrate Traditional Latin Masses in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, but several others must cease, Cardinal... Read more
