Pope Leo XIV’s decision will have implications beyond local pastoral care. Whether he maintains, loosens, or tightens the restrictions of Traditionis Custodes will influence the delicate balance between reconciliation and orthodoxy, and between Tradition and authority.
Editorial (07/19/2025, Gaudium Press) – The recent leak of two excerpts from an internal report of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith—prepared under Pope Francis and kept confidential until now—has revived a controversy that seemed settled, or at least dormant: the place of the Traditional Mass in the heart of the Church. More than a liturgical question, this debate touches on the Church’s model of authority and unity. Observers and faithful alike now ask: what will Pope Leo XIV do with the so-called “traditionalists”?
The new Pontiff inherited a minefield. Francis’s Motu Proprio Traditionis Custodes (July 2021), which restricts the 1962 Missal, continues to reverberate. By imposing severe limitations on the Traditional Latin Mass—once preserved by St. Pius V and organically enriched over centuries—Francis challenged the liturgical senses of a vibrant minority and reopened debates on ecclesial communion.
Vatican specialist Diane Montagna released the leaked report excerpts, and Andrea Gagliarducci noted this “complicates the Vatican’s official narrative.” Unlike the official justification, these documents reveal episcopal preferences to preserve the freedoms once granted by Benedict XVI’s 2007 Summorum Pontificum.
Francis defended his decision, citing broad episcopal consultation. But the leaks raise doubts about the consultation’s legitimacy and whether the decision was made a priori, with consultation merely window dressing.
The Vatican labelled the leaks “incomplete,” but the damage is done. In Rome—where actions speak as loudly as words—all eyes now are on the one holding the Keys of Peter.
Though Leo XIV’s papacy is short, early actions matter. His first homily avoided direct references to Francis’s controversial policies, emphasizing conversion and Christ’s centrality. His letter to pilgrims on the Paris‑Chartres traditional route was seen as a tentative outreach to traditionalists—an offering, not welcome.
Pope Leo XIV Governing Style
Gagliarducci writes that “Leo XIV is still choosing his governing style.” This choice, not just the Mass decree, marks the turning point. For traditional Mass, though practiced by a minority, symbolically represents continuity, reverence, and sacredness—or, for critics, resistance and nostalgia. The Pontiff now stands at a crossroads: will he concede or uphold?
And how he decides matters: Francis acted without real synodal process; the decree felt imposed, not discerned—ironically echoing a monarchical style he claimed to oppose. Now Leo XIV appears cautious, almost hesitant. Is this prudence or evasion? Too soon to say. But when his decision comes, it will reflect his papal vision.
Over recent decades, labels like conservative vs liberal or traditionalist vs modernist have simplified a complex reality. The faith is richer. A bishop favoring Latin liturgy may align with social reform; a young Latin-Massgoer may advocate for the environment. Leo XIV seems to understand this—his words avoid clichés. But words must become action. Ambiguity has ended; clarity—rooted in justice—is now essential.
This isn’t about restoring the past or making tactical compromises; it’s about seeing liturgy as communion, not battleground. Those attached to the old rite are not enemies, but children of the Church, deserving of listening, respect, and pastoral care.
Leo XIV’s task is daunting. He must choose between power and communion, Roman centralism and episcopal subsidiarity, imposition and reconciliation, constructive prudence or destructive silence.
In this scenario, the Traditional Mass isn’t the endpoint but the litmus test of the Church Leo XIV intends to build. History will judge him not only by doctrinal decisions but by his ability to govern justly. Between liturgical empiricism and militant nostalgia, he strives for a papacy of harmony rooted in tradition, juridical rigor, and diplomatic grace.
Whether that vision has the strength to restore liturgy and unity—maybe even clinch the impossible: disappoint all, yet pacify many—remains to be seen. And in these tempestuous times, that would almost be a miracle.
By Rafael Tavares
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
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