The pontiff highlighted the group’s focus on inculturation while acknowledging the contentious role of the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) and its contribution to polarization among Catholics.
Newsroom (18/09/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a recent interview with Crux Now, Pope Leo XIV provided insight into the work of the newly established study group on liturgy, shedding light on its objectives and the broader context of liturgical debates within the Catholic Church. The pontiff highlighted the group’s focus on inculturation—adapting the liturgy to resonate meaningfully within diverse cultural contexts—while acknowledging the contentious role of the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) and its contribution to polarization among Catholics. His remarks reveal a nuanced approach to navigating the Church’s liturgical challenges, emphasizing dialogue, synodality, and the need to move beyond ideological divides.
Inculturation as the Primary Focus
The study group’s formation, according to Pope Leo XIV, stems primarily from the need to advance the inculturation of the liturgy. “How to continue the process of making the liturgy more meaningful within a different culture, within a specific culture, in a specific place at any given time,” he explained, underscoring the Church’s ongoing effort to ensure that liturgical practices reflect the spiritual and cultural realities of diverse communities worldwide. This focus aligns with the Church’s post-Vatican II emphasis on adapting the liturgy to local traditions, as seen in discussions surrounding proposals like the Amazonian rite, which seeks to incorporate indigenous cultural elements into the Roman liturgy.
The Amazonian rite, proposed during the 2019 Synod of Bishops for the Amazon, has sparked debate about how far inculturation should extend. While Pope Leo did not explicitly reference the Amazonian rite in his comments, his emphasis on cultural adaptation suggests that the study group is grappling with questions of how to balance universal Catholic identity with local expressions of faith. This task is particularly complex in regions where cultural practices differ significantly from Western liturgical traditions, requiring careful discernment to maintain doctrinal integrity while fostering inclusivity.
The Traditional Latin Mass and Polarization
A significant portion of the pope’s remarks addressed the “hot-button issue” of the Traditional Latin Mass, also known as the Tridentine Mass, which has become a flashpoint in recent years. Following Pope Francis’ 2021 motu proprio Traditionis Custodes, which restricted the celebration of the TLM, divisions have deepened between those who favor the pre-Vatican II liturgy and those who support the Novus Ordo, or the Mass of Paul VI, introduced after the Second Vatican Council. Pope Leo XIV acknowledged these tensions, noting that the study group’s work is partly influenced by this ongoing debate.
The pontiff clarified that celebrating Mass in Latin is not inherently problematic, as the Novus Ordo can be offered in Latin. However, he expressed concern about the polarization surrounding the Tridentine Mass, describing it as “very complicated.” He lamented that the liturgy has been politicized, with some using it “as an excuse for advancing other topics.” This politicization, he argued, has turned the liturgy into “a political tool,” detracting from its primary purpose as a source of prayer and communion with God.
Pope Leo also pointed to what he described as the “abuse” of the Vatican II liturgy, suggesting that improper celebrations of the Novus Ordo may have driven some Catholics toward the Tridentine Mass in search of a “deeper experience of prayer” and “contact with the mystery of faith.” He posed a rhetorical question: if the Vatican II liturgy is celebrated reverently, would the differences between the two forms be as stark as some perceive? This observation reflects his desire to bridge the gap between the two liturgical expressions by emphasizing proper celebration rather than pitting them against each other.
The Challenge of Dialogue and Synodality
A recurring theme in Pope Leo’s comments was the need for dialogue to overcome the polarization surrounding liturgical issues. He admitted that he has not yet had the opportunity to engage deeply with advocates of the Tridentine Mass but expressed openness to doing so, noting an upcoming opportunity to meet with them. “Maybe with synodality, we have to sit down and talk about [it],” he said, referencing the Church’s ongoing synodal process, which emphasizes listening and communal discernment.
However, the pope highlighted a significant obstacle: the unwillingness of some groups to engage in dialogue. He cited bishops who reported that TLM advocates often refuse to participate in discussions, indicating a descent into “ideology” rather than a commitment to “church communion.” This ideological entrenchment, he argued, undermines the unity of the Church and complicates efforts to address liturgical concerns constructively.
Broader Implications for the Church
Pope Leo XIV’s remarks underscore the delicate balance the Church must strike as it navigates liturgical diversity and unity. The study group’s work on inculturation reflects a forward-looking approach to ensuring that the liturgy remains relevant and accessible across cultures. At the same time, the ongoing debate over the Traditional Latin Mass highlights the challenges of addressing historical traditions within a modern ecclesiastical framework. The pontiff’s call for dialogue and his critique of liturgical politicization suggest a desire to move the conversation away from division and toward a shared commitment to the Church’s mission.
As the study group continues its work, its findings could have significant implications for the future of Catholic liturgy. By addressing both inculturation and the tensions surrounding the TLM, the group has the opportunity to propose solutions that honor the Church’s rich liturgical heritage while fostering unity in an increasingly diverse global community. Pope Leo’s emphasis on synodality and dialogue signals a path forward—one that prioritizes listening, mutual respect, and a shared encounter with the sacred.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Crux Now
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