VATICAN CITY (FN) — Pope Leo XIV has authorized the celebration of the traditional Latin Mass at the Vatican this weekend, reversing restrictions imposed by his predecessor and signaling a conciliatory gesture toward conservative factions within the Catholic Church.
The Tridentine Mass, conducted in Latin with the priest facing away from the congregation and accompanied by incense and Gregorian chants, will be held Saturday afternoon in St. Peter’s Basilica. It will be led by U.S. Cardinal Raymond Burke, a prominent critic of the late Pope Francis.
The Latin rite, once standard across the Church, was largely replaced following reforms from the Second Vatican Council (1962–65) and further curtailed by Francis in 2021 through his decree “Traditionis Custodes.” The move had sparked backlash from traditionalist Catholics who viewed the restrictions as marginalizing their preferred form of worship.
Pope Leo’s decision is seen as an effort to ease internal tensions. “This sends a very strong signal to the conservative fringe,” said Francois Mabille, director of France’s Geopolitical Observatory of Religion. “It suggests the divisions within the Church may be deeper than previously thought.”
Catholic leaders across continents responded with mixed views. Father Miguel Herrera of Mexico City called the move “a necessary reconciliation,” while Father Patrick O’Connell of Dublin warned it could “reignite liturgical battles we thought were behind us.” In Lagos, Nigeria, Father Emmanuel Okoro praised Leo’s “inclusive spirit,” saying, “This is a pope who listens.”
King Charles III, Supreme Governor of the Church of England, issued a statement through Buckingham Palace acknowledging the Vatican’s decision. “His Majesty welcomes efforts to preserve sacred traditions while fostering unity among Christian communities,” the statement read.
In the United States, reactions were sharply divided. Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco hailed the decision as “a respectful nod to the richness of Catholic heritage,” while progressive theologians cautioned against “romanticizing a rite that once excluded many.”
Historians say the return of the Tridentine Mass reflects Leo’s strategy of balance. “It’s a gesture of appeasement,” said Martin Dumont, secretary general of the Research Institute for the Study of Religions. “Leo wants to show that all sides belong in the Church.”
In a recent interview, Leo acknowledged the complexity of the debate. “Some have used the liturgy as a pretext to advance other subjects,” he said. “It has become a political tool, and that is very regrettable.”
The Vatican has not indicated whether the Mass will become a regular feature or remain a symbolic one-time event. Church observers say its impact will depend on how Leo navigates the delicate line between tradition and reform.
