Quo Primum - What Is It and What Is It Not?

Quo Primum: A Historical Edict on the Liturgy of the Mass

The year 1570 marked a significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church with the promulgation of the Apostolic Constitution "Quo Primum" by Pope Pius V. This papal bull, whose name translates to "From the First," was a decisive step in standardizing the liturgy of the Mass across the Western Church. 

"Quo Primum" mandated the use of a standardized Roman Missal, which was part of the broader efforts of the Council of Trent to ensure uniformity in the celebration of the Mass. The Council of Trent was an ecumenical council of the Catholic Church held in response to the Protestant Reformation, and it sought to address various doctrinal and disciplinary issues.

Pope Pius V, in his bull, emphasized the importance of a pure and unadulterated liturgy, which he believed was essential for the preservation of doctrine and the spiritual well-being of the faithful. The Roman Missal that was promulgated under "Quo Primum" was the result of extensive scholarly work, which involved the careful collation of ancient codices and consultation with works of ancient and approved authors on the sacred rites.

The significance of "Quo Primum" lies not only in its liturgical directives but also in its legal and ecclesiastical implications. It was decreed that this Missal was to be used in perpetuity, allowing no one, not even ecclesiastical authorities of the highest order, to alter it in any way. This edict applied to all patriarchs, cathedral churches, collegiate and parish churches, secular or religious, and even military orders, with very few exceptions.

The bull also contained provisions for those rites and liturgies that had been in continuous use for at least two hundred years, allowing them to continue if they so wished. This clause ensured the survival of certain ancient Latin liturgical rites other than the Roman Rite, such as the Ambrosian and Mozarabic Rites.

"This new rite alone is to be used unless approval of the practice of saying Mass differently was given at the very time of the institution and confirmation of the church by the Apostolic See at least 200 years ago, or unless there has prevailed a custom of a similar kind which has been continuously followed for a period of not less than 200 years, in which most cases we in no wise rescind their above-mentioned prerogative or custom. However, if this Missal, which we have seen fit to publish, be more agreeable to these latter, We grant them permission to celebrate Mass according to its rite, provided they have the consent of their bishop or prelate or of their whole Chapter, everything else to the contrary notwithstanding."

The main changes introduced by the Apostolic Constitution "Quo Primum," promulgated by Pope Pius V in 1570, were revolutionary for the Catholic Church's liturgical practices. Here are the key alterations that were mandated:

1. Standardization of the Roman Missal: Before "Quo Primum," there was a considerable variety in the texts and rites used for celebrating Mass. The constitution enforced a standardized Roman Missal, which was to be used universally across the Western Church.

2. Preservation of Liturgical Purity: Pope Pius V aimed to preserve the purity of the liturgy that he believed was essential for the doctrine's preservation and the faithful's spiritual well-being. The Roman Missal was restored to what was considered the original form and rite of the holy Fathers.

3. Mandatory Adoption: The use of the new Roman Missal was made obligatory throughout the Latin Church of the Catholic Church, except where a different Mass liturgy of at least two hundred years standing existed.

4. Legal and Ecclesiastical Implications: The bull decreed that the Missal was to be used in perpetuity, and no one, including ecclesiastical authorities of the highest order, was allowed to alter it in any way.

5. Provisions for Ancient Rites: "Quo Primum" allowed certain ancient Latin liturgical rites other than the Roman Rite, such as the Ambrosian and Mozarabic Rites, to continue if they had been in continuous use for at least two hundred years.

6. Authority of the Papacy: The document underscored the authority of the papacy in guiding the Church's spiritual life and liturgical practices, reflecting the unity of practice integral to the unity of belief.

These changes were part of the broader efforts of the Council of Trent to address the challenges posed by the Protestant Reformation and to reform the Church's practices and doctrines. "Quo Primum" is a significant historical document that continues to be referenced in discussions about liturgical traditions and the authority of the Church in matters of worship. For a more detailed exploration of "Quo Primum" and its implications, the full text of the Apostolic Constitution can be found in the Papal Encyclicals online archive.

The Tridentine Mass, also known as the Traditional Latin Mass, was codified by Pope Pius V in the 16th century following the Council of Trent. The papal bull "Quo Primum" was issued in 1570 to promulgate this standardized form of the liturgy throughout the Western Church. However, the assertion that "Quo Primum does not set in stone the Tridentine Mass" invites a deeper exploration into the nature of liturgical law and the authority of the papacy over time.

"Quo Primum" indeed had a significant impact on the liturgy by establishing a uniform rite. Pope Pius V's intention was to ensure consistency in worship and to prevent the proliferation of local variations that had emerged over the centuries. The document mandated the use of the newly standardized Roman Missal, which was to be adopted universally, with few exceptions. The language used in "Quo Primum" is strong, stating that this Missal is to be used "henceforth, now, and forever," which might suggest a sense of permanence to the Tridentine Mass.

However, the Church's understanding of liturgical law recognizes that such laws are subject to change by the authority that promulgated them or by a higher authority. In this case, the papal authority that issued "Quo Primum" can also modify it. This principle is reflected in the history of the Roman Rite, which has seen several revisions and changes over the centuries, even after "Quo Primum" was promulgated.

The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) brought about a significant liturgical reform, leading to the promulgation of a new Roman Missal by Pope Paul VI in 1970. This new Missal, which introduced the Mass in vernacular languages and other changes, effectively replaced the Tridentine Mass as the standard form of the liturgy in the Latin Church. The subsequent popes have upheld this liturgical reform while also allowing for the continued use of the Tridentine Mass under certain conditions.

The ongoing discussion about the liturgy's evolution reflects the dynamic nature of the Church's life and worship. While "Quo Primum" played a crucial role in shaping the liturgy of its time, it did not freeze the liturgical form for all eternity. The Church, guided by the Holy Spirit and the discernment of its leaders, continues to adapt its liturgical expressions to meet the spiritual needs of the faithful in different historical contexts.

In conclusion, "Quo Primum" established the Tridentine Mass as the normative liturgy of the Roman Church in the 16th century, but it did not create an immutable law that would bind all future popes and prevent any further development of the Roman Rite. The liturgy, while rooted in tradition, remains a living expression of the Church's faith and is subject to the authoritative guidance of the Magisterium.

"Quo Primum" is a testament to the enduring nature of liturgical traditions and the authority of the papacy in guiding the spiritual life of the Church. It reflects a time when the unity of practice was seen as integral to the unity of belief, and it continues to be a point of reference for discussions on liturgical history and the authority of the Church in matters of worship.

Some today cite this Papal Bull as some authority against the Roman Missal of Saint Pope Paul VI. They simply did not understand Quo Primum and its intention. The intention of this document was to codify the Tridentine Rite of the time. Note it clearly allowed other rites to continue.  Notice Quo Primum calls the Tridentine Rite "New Rite." Does this sound familiar? Paul VI used similar words for the Ordinary Form that we use today after Vatican II.  History literally repeated itself in the 1960's and 70's. Therefore, for alleged traditionalists to attack the Ordinary Form by using pejorative terms like "Novus Ordo" is hypocritical. 

Quo Primum does not prevent the rites of the Mass from being changed.  In fact, there have always been different rites of the One Mass throughout the centuries. The Roman Catholic Church's rite is the Latin or Roman Rite. Those who cite Quo Primum to claim that Paul VI was in heresy to promulgate the Ordinary Form do not understand what Papal Bulls are nor the history the changes in the discipline of the Liturgy. 

Moreover, their poor understanding of Quo Primum would mean that the rites from the uniate Churches or even the non-Catholic Eastern Churches are invalid.  A Papal Bull is not universally nor perpetually binding. It is an official document announcing something. Successors of Peter and set aside Papal Bulls and Motu Propios from previous popes.  

The Catholic Church has the power to change, remove, abrogate, or move anything she created herself as a discipline. In other words, the man-made parts of the Liturgy can be changed or done away with. This has been done for centuries. Quo Primum does not establish one rite as the sole rite of the Catholic Church. What the document declares is that there is a codified Roman Missal now, so regional rites cannot be a thing anymore unless the Church allows them.  In fact, the rites of the Mass have changed over time. 

The Tridentine Rite of the Mass changed several times up to Vatican II.  Things were added to it and removed over the centuries.  Prior to Trent, each region had its own rite for the Mass.  There was no official Latin rite.  In fact, the Latin rite started to develop around the 5th century. Prior to this, the rite of the Mass was in Aramaic and then Greek. St. Justin Martyr in his Apologia gives us a very clear and detailed account of the Mass in the first and second centuries. It is very similar to the Ordinary Form we use now from the Paul VI Missal.  

Again, disciplines made by Church men can be changed and have been changed.  They can be set aside and removed altogether as well and have been throughout Church history.  This is the right of the Church.  She cannot abolish the Mass.  It was founded by Jesus the Lord Himself.  This is why those who claim that the 1970 Missal is a "New Mass" do not understand Christology.  Jesus died once. He cannot be sacrificed again.  The Church has no authority to change the Mass or create a new one. She can change the rites of the Mass that she created or those that are man-made.  

Quo Primum does not install the Tridentine Rite or its developed version in the Extraordinary Form as the one rite of the Mass.  What the document does is inform the known world at the time that there is now a codified Roman Rite or Roman Missal.  

Below is the English translation of the full text of Quo Primum, the Apostolic Constitution issued by Pope St. Pius V on July 14, 1570, as sourced from reliable Catholic archives and translations. This document promulgated the 1570 Roman Missal, making its use obligatory throughout the Latin Church, with certain exceptions for rites over 200 years old.

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Quo Primum Tempore
Apostolic Constitution
Promulgated by Pope St. Pius V
July 14, 1570

Pius, Bishop, Servant of the Servants of God, for a Perpetual Memorial of the Matter

From the very first, upon Our elevation to the Apostolic throne, We gladly turned Our mind and energies, and directed all Our thoughts, to those matters which concerned the preservation of a pure liturgy, and We strove with God’s help, by every means in Our power, to accomplish this purpose. For, besides other decrees of the sacred Council of Trent, there were stipulations for Us to revise and re-edit the sacred books: the Catechism, the Missal, and the Breviary. With the Catechism published for the instruction of the faithful, and the Breviary thoroughly revised for the worthy praise of God, it was altogether fitting that the Missal should correspond with the Breviary, as is right and proper (since it is most becoming that there be in the Church only one appropriate manner of reciting the Psalms and one rite for celebrating Mass). We deemed it necessary to give Our immediate attention to what still remained to be done, namely, the re-editing of the Missal as soon as possible.

Wherefore, We entrusted this task to learned men of Our selection. They very carefully collated all the texts with the ancient manuscripts of Our Vatican Library and with other manuscripts, corrected and free from error, collected from various sources; and they consulted the writings of ancient and approved authors concerning the institution of the sacred rites, and restored the Missal itself to the original norm and rite of the holy Fathers.

When this work had been thoroughly revised and corrected, after mature consideration, so that all might benefit from this undertaking and labor, We ordered it to be printed and published as soon as possible in Rome, so that priests might understand which prayers to use, and what rites and ceremonies they are henceforth to observe in the celebration of Mass.

Now, therefore, in order that all everywhere may adopt and observe what has been handed down by the Holy Roman Church, the Mother and Teacher of the other churches, and that henceforth and for all future times, in all patriarchal churches, cathedral churches, collegiate and parish churches, secular and regular, of whatever order, in the churches and chapels of monasteries of men and women, even those of the military orders, and in churches and chapels without care of souls, in which the conventual Mass is customarily sung aloud with a choir or read silently according to the rite of the Roman Church, We order that Masses shall not be sung or read in any other way than according to the formula of the Missal published by Us. This applies even to those churches that may be exempt by apostolic indult, custom, privilege, oath, apostolic confirmation, or any other faculties whatsoever; unless, however, from the very institution by the Apostolic See, or by custom, the celebration of Mass in such churches has been observed according to a rite approved by the Apostolic See for more than two hundred years. In such cases, We in no way rescind their aforesaid constitution or custom of celebrating Mass; however, if this Missal, which We have now published, should be more pleasing to them, We permit them to celebrate Mass according to it, with the consent of their bishop or prelate, or of their whole chapter, all things to the contrary notwithstanding.

We entirely reject and remove the use of their missals from all the aforesaid churches, and We decree that nothing shall ever be added to, omitted from, or changed in this Our recently published Missal, under pain of Our indignation. By this present Constitution, which shall be valid henceforth, now, and forever, We order and enjoin that nothing must be added to Our recently published Missal, nothing omitted from it, nor anything whatsoever be changed within it.

We specifically command each and every patriarch, administrator, and all other persons of whatever ecclesiastical dignity they may be, be they even cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, or possessed of any other rank or pre-eminence, and We order them in virtue of holy obedience to chant or to read the Mass according to the rite and manner and norm herewith laid down by Us and, hereafter, to discontinue and completely discard all other rubrics and rites of other missals, however ancient, which they have customarily followed; and they must not in celebrating Mass presume to introduce any ceremonies or recite any prayers other than those contained in this Missal.

Furthermore, by these presents, in virtue of Our Apostolic authority, We grant and concede in perpetuity that, for the chanting or reading of the Mass in any church whatsoever, this Missal is hereafter to be followed absolutely, without any scruple of conscience or fear of incurring any penalty, judgment, or censure, and may freely and lawfully be used. Nor are superiors, administrators, canons, chaplains, and other secular priests, or religious, of whatever title designated, obliged to celebrate the Mass otherwise than as enjoined by Us. We likewise declare and ordain that no one whosoever is forced or coerced to alter this Missal, and that this present document cannot be revoked or modified, but remains always valid and retains its full force—notwithstanding the previous constitutions and decrees of the Holy See, as well as any general or special constitutions or edicts of provincial or synodal councils, and notwithstanding the practice and custom of the aforesaid churches, established by long and immemorial prescription—except, however, if more than two hundred years. In such cases, We in no way rescind their aforesaid constitution or custom of celebrating Mass; however, if this Missal, which We have now published, should be more pleasing to them, We permit them to celebrate Mass according to it, with the consent of their bishop or prelate, or of their whole chapter, all things to the contrary notwithstanding.

We entirely reject and remove the use of their missals from all the aforesaid churches, and We decree that nothing shall ever be added to, omitted from, or changed in this Our recently published Missal, under pain of Our indignation. By this present Constitution, which shall be valid henceforth, now, and forever, We order and enjoin that nothing must be added to Our recently published Missal, nothing omitted from it, nor anything whatsoever be changed within it.

We specifically command each and every patriarch, administrator, and all other persons of whatever ecclesiastical dignity they may be, be they even cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, or possessed of any other rank or pre-eminence, and We order them in virtue of holy obedience to chant or to read the Mass according to the rite and manner and norm herewith laid down by Us and, hereafter, to discontinue and completely discard all other rubrics and rites of other missals, however ancient, which they have customarily followed; and they must not in celebrating Mass presume to introduce any ceremonies or recite any prayers other than those contained in this Missal.

Furthermore, by these presents, in virtue of Our Apostolic authority, We grant and concede in perpetuity that, for the chanting or reading of the Mass in any church whatsoever, this Missal is hereafter to be followed absolutely, without any scruple of conscience or fear of incurring any penalty, judgment, or censure, and may freely and lawfully be used. Nor are superiors, administrators, canons, chaplains, and other secular priests, or religious, of whatever title designated, obliged to celebrate the Mass otherwise than as enjoined by Us. We likewise declare and ordain that no one whosoever is forced or coerced to alter this Missal, and that this present document cannot be revoked or modified, but remains always valid and retains its full force—notwithstanding the previous constitutions and decrees of the Holy See, as well as any general or special constitutions or edicts of provincial or synodal councils, and notwithstanding the practice and custom of the aforesaid churches, established by long and immemorial prescription—except, however, if more than two hundred years’ duration.

It is Our will, therefore, and by the same authority, We decree that, after We publish this Constitution and the edition of the Missal, all priests of the Latin Rite, both secular and religious, are obliged to celebrate according to the rite of this Missal, within six months at the latest from the day when this Missal is published in their diocese or region. In churches where there is a custom of celebrating Mass in another lawful rite, approved by the Apostolic See, and of more than two hundred years’ standing, they may continue to use it, as above. But if any community or church prefers this Missal to their own ancient rite, with the consent of the bishop or prelate or of the whole chapter, they may freely adopt it.

And so that this Missal may be printed exactly and correctly, We order that it be printed in Rome, and that editions printed elsewhere conform exactly to the Roman edition. To prevent any errors creeping into so holy a work, We strictly forbid anyone to print, publish, or sell this Missal without Our permission or that of a special Apostolic delegate appointed by Us for this purpose, under pain of excommunication latae sententiae.

Wishing that in all churches the same rite be observed, We exhort and command all Our venerable brethren, the patriarchs, archbishops, bishops, and all others who have charge of souls, to take care that this Our Constitution be put into effect. It is Our will that this Constitution be published in all places, so that it may be known to all, and that no one may plead ignorance of it.

Given at St. Peter’s in the year of the Lord’s Incarnation, 1570, on the 14th day of July, in the fifth year of Our Pontificate.

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Sources:

https://www.papalencyclicals.net/pius05/p5quopri.htm

https://www.superflumina.org/PDF_files/quo-primum-latin.pdf

https://lms.org.uk/quo-primum

https://www.newadvent.org/library/docs_pi05qp.htm

https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/pope-st-pius-v-and-quo-primum-did-the-pope-intend-to-bind-his-successors-from-changing-the-tridentine-mass-1132

https://www.catholic.com/qa/doesnt-the-new-mass-reject-pope-st-pius-vs-mandate-in-quo-primum-requiring-the-tridentine-mass

https://www.britannica.com/topic/bull-papal

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https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2024/05/15/explainer-papal-bulls-247946

https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0126.htm