The Fourth Anniversary of Traditionis Custodes: A Reflection on Unity and Division in the Church
I consider myself a traditionalist. I love the liturgy, the vestments, the rich culture of the Church, and Latin as the official language of the Roman Rite. Perhaps you, reading this or having read my other content, may think I am not being honest about being a traditionalist and may "hate" or dislike the Extraordinary Form. This is far from the truth and reality. Just see the X post below this paragraph to see what I posted in 2022. I serve at both the Extraordinary Form and the Ordinary Form of the Mass with reverence and devotion. But I must be objective and call a spade a spade. I will not worship a liturgical rite nor place it—or my personal preferences—above the unity and mission of the Catholic Church. As we mark the fourth anniversary of Pope Francis’ motu proprio Traditionis Custodes on July 16, 2025, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on why this document was issued, the ideologies that prompted its necessity, and the ongoing challenges within certain traditionalist circles. This reflection also addresses recent claims, such as those by Vatican journalist Diane Montagna, and why it is unlikely that Pope Leo XIV will rescind this decree.
The Context and Necessity of Traditionis Custodes
On July 16, 2021, Pope Francis issued Traditionis Custodes (Apostolic Letter issued “Motu proprio” by the Supreme Pontiff Francis “Traditionis custodes” on the use of the Roman Liturgy prior to the Reform of 1970, 16 July 2021 | Francis), a motu proprio that significantly restricted the celebration of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, reversing the broader permissions granted by Pope Benedict XVI’s 2007 motu proprio Summorum Pontificum. The document was accompanied by a letter to the world’s bishops, explaining the reasons behind this decision. Pope Francis cited the need to foster unity within the Church, expressing concern that the Extraordinary Form was being used in ways that undermined the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council and, by extension, the unity of the Church itself.
The necessity of Traditionis Custodes arose from a complex situation. Pope Francis acted after a 2020 survey conducted by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (now Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith), which gathered feedback from bishops worldwide about the implementation of Summorum Pontificum. Other documents and information were used as well, according to Vatican Spokesman Matteo Bruni. The responses revealed a troubling reality: in some communities, the celebration of the Extraordinary Form was not merely a matter of liturgical preference but had become a rallying point for rejecting the Ordinary Form and, in some cases, the teachings of Vatican II. Pope Francis noted that the concessions granted by his predecessors were exploited to widen the gaps, reinforce the divergences, and encourage disagreements that injure the Church, block her path, and expose her to the peril of division.
The aim of Traditionis Custodes was not to eradicate the Extraordinary Form but to regulate its use to ensure it serves the Church’s unity rather than fostering division. The motu proprio mandates that bishops have exclusive competence to authorize the Extraordinary Form in their dioceses, ensuring that groups celebrating it do not reject Vatican II or the legitimacy of the Ordinary Form. It also introduced restrictions, such as prohibiting the use of parish churches for the Extraordinary Form and requiring Vatican approval for newly ordained priests to celebrate it. These measures were intended to curb the growth of parallel liturgical communities that sometimes operated as a church within a church.
Ideologies Within Traditionalist Circles
While many Catholics who prefer the Extraordinary Form are devout and faithful to the Church, a vocal minority within traditionalist circles espouses ideologies that have caused significant concern. These ideologies, which Traditionis Custodes sought to address, include division, rejection of Vatican II, sede vacantism, attacks on the papacy, and, in some cases, troubling attitudes such as antisemitism, racism, and Eurocentrism. Below, I explore these issues to provide a clearer picture of the challenges they pose to the Church’s unity.
Division and Rejection of Vatican II
One of the primary concerns cited by Pope Francis was the use of the Extraordinary Form to foster division within the Church. Some traditionalist communities have positioned the Extraordinary Form as superior to the Ordinary Form, claiming it is the only true expression of Catholic worship. This attitude often extends to a broader rejection of the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), which introduced liturgical reforms, including the Ordinary Form, to make the Mass more accessible to the faithful through vernacular languages and greater participation.
The rejection of Vatican II is not universal among traditionalists, but it is a significant issue in certain circles. Some groups argue that the council’s reforms betrayed Catholic tradition, asserting that the Ordinary Form is less reverent or even invalid. This stance undermines the authority of the council, which Pope Francis described as an act of the Holy Spirit guiding the Church. By rejecting Vatican II, these groups risk creating a parallel ecclesial reality, detached from the broader Church and its magisterium.
Sede Vacantism and Attacks on the Papacy
A more extreme ideology within some traditionalist factions is sede vacantism, the belief that the papal see is vacant because recent popes, including Pope Francis, are not legitimate successors to St. Peter. This view often stems from a rejection of Vatican II and the liturgical reforms, with adherents claiming that popes who support these changes have fallen into heresy. Such beliefs directly challenge the Church’s unity and the authority of the papacy, fostering a schismatic mentality.
Attacks on the papacy are not limited to sede vacantism. Some traditionalists, while not formally denying the pope’s legitimacy, engage in harsh criticism of Pope Francis, accusing him of undermining tradition or leading the Church astray. These attacks often appear on social media platforms and in traditionalist publications, where the pope is portrayed as an enemy of orthodoxy. This rhetoric not only deepens division but also contradicts the Catholic principle of filial obedience to the Holy Father.
Antisemitism, Racism, and Eurocentrism
Perhaps the most troubling ideologies associated with some traditionalist groups are antisemitism, racism, and Eurocentrism. While these are not representative of all traditionalists, they have surfaced in certain communities and demand attention. Antisemitism, for instance, has historical roots in some pre-Vatican II liturgical practices, such as prayers in the Extraordinary Form that referred to Jews in derogatory terms (e.g., the Good Friday prayer for the perfidious Jews, which was revised by Pope John XXIII). Although these texts have been modified, some traditionalist groups cling to older versions or express views that echo historical prejudices, rejecting Vatican II’s document Nostra Aetate, which condemned antisemitism and promoted respect for other religions.
Racism and Eurocentrism also appear in certain traditionalist circles, often tied to a nostalgic view of the Church as a predominantly European institution. Some groups emphasize the Latin language and pre-Vatican II practices as inherently superior, dismissing the cultural diversity of the global Church. This Eurocentric mindset can manifest as a resistance to inculturation—the adaptation of the liturgy to local cultures—as called for by Vatican II. Such attitudes marginalize non-European Catholics and undermine the Church’s universal mission.
Backwardness and Resistance to Modernity
Pope Francis has described the preference for the Extraordinary Form in some circles as indietrismo or backwardness, a nostalgic attachment to the past that resists the Church’s engagement with the modern world. This backwardness is not merely a preference for traditional liturgy but a broader rejection of the Church’s call to dialogue with contemporary society, as articulated in Vatican II’s Gaudium et Spes. Some traditionalists view modernity itself as inherently corrupt, advocating for a return to a perceived golden age of Catholicism, often idealized as the pre-Vatican II era.
This resistance to modernity can lead to a fortress mentality, where traditionalist communities isolate themselves from the broader Church and society. While the desire for reverence and tradition is understandable, this approach risks alienating the faithful from the Church’s mission to evangelize in the present day. It also fosters a sense of superiority, where adherents see themselves as guardians of the true Church against a supposedly compromised institution.
Addressing Claims of Dishonesty: The Diane Montagna Controversy
In July 2025, Vatican journalist Diane Montagna published excerpts from a leaked Vatican report on her Substack, claiming they exposed major cracks in the rationale for Traditionis Custodes. Montagna argued that the 2020 survey of bishops, conducted by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, showed that the majority of bishops were satisfied with Summorum Pontificum and believed that restricting the Extraordinary Form would cause more harm than good. She suggested that Pope Francis misrepresented the survey results to justify his decision, implying a lack of transparency or honesty.
These claims, however, are misleading and require careful scrutiny. The Vatican, through spokesman Matteo Bruni, responded on July 3, 2025, stating that the leaked documents provided a very partial and incomplete reconstruction of the decision-making process. Bruni noted that other reports and consultations, not included in Montagna’s excerpts, informed Pope Francis’ decision. The Dicastery for Divine Worship also declined to comment further, indicating that the leaked documents did not tell the full story.
Montagna’s assertion that the survey results were overwhelmingly positive ignores the complexity of the bishops’ responses. While some bishops reported satisfaction with Summorum Pontificum, others expressed concerns about division, rejection of Vatican II, and the formation of isolated communities around the Extraordinary Form. The leaked report itself acknowledged that some bishops viewed the Extraordinary Form as inappropriate, disturbing, and even dangerous in certain contexts. Pope Francis never claimed that a majority of bishops explicitly requested restrictions; rather, he stated that the survey revealed a situation that preoccupies and saddens him, prompting the need for intervention.
By presenting a selective narrative, Montagna’s claims risk fueling division rather than fostering understanding. The accusation that Pope Francis acted dishonestly overlooks the broader context of his decision, including his pastoral concern for the Church’s unity and his responsibility to address issues that threaten it. The leaked documents, while informative, do not negate the evidence of problematic ideologies within some traditionalist communities, which Traditionis Custodes sought to address. See more here: Sacerdotus: Diane Montagna On World Over - Vetting Her Claims
The Unlikelihood of Pope Leo XIV Rescinding Traditionis Custodes
Since his election, Pope Leo XIV has emphasized unity and reconciliation as central themes of his pontificate. Some traditionalists have expressed hope that he might reverse or moderate Traditionis Custodes, citing his stated desire to heal divisions. However, several factors suggest that a full rescission of the motu proprio is unlikely.
First, Traditionis Custodes aligns with the broader trajectory of the Church’s liturgical renewal since Vatican II. The Ordinary Form, promulgated by St. Paul VI and revised by St. John Paul II, is considered the unique expression of the lex orandi of the Roman Rite in Traditionis Custodes. This reflects a theological and pastoral commitment to the liturgical reforms of Vatican II, which Pope Leo XIV, as a successor to Peter, is unlikely to undermine. Reversing the motu proprio would signal a retreat from this commitment, potentially reigniting liturgical debates that the Church has sought to resolve.
Second, the issues Traditionis Custodes addresses—division, rejection of Vatican II, and ideological misuse of the Extraordinary Form—remain relevant. While some traditionalists argue that the motu proprio has exacerbated tensions, others acknowledge that it has prompted necessary reflection within traditionalist communities about their relationship with the broader Church. Pope Leo XIV may choose to adjust the implementation of Traditionis Custodes, such as granting more exemptions for dioceses to celebrate the Extraordinary Form, but a complete reversal would risk legitimizing the problematic ideologies that prompted the original decree.
Third, Pope Leo XIV’s focus on unity suggests he will prioritize dialogue over drastic policy shifts. For example, the recent extension of permission for the Extraordinary Form in the Diocese of San Angelo, Texas, indicates that the Vatican under Leo XIV is open to pastoral accommodations where they do not undermine unity. However, these accommodations are likely to be case-specific rather than a blanket rescission of Traditionis Custodes.
Finally, the Church’s magisterial authority rests on continuity with its councils and popes. Rescinding Traditionis Custodes would not only contradict Pope Francis’ legacy but also risk destabilizing the Church’s liturgical framework. Pope Leo XIV, as a new pontiff, is more likely to seek a balanced approach, encouraging reverence in all liturgical celebrations while upholding the Ordinary Form as the primary expression of the Roman Rite.
A Path Forward: Unity in Diversity
As a traditionalist who cherishes the Extraordinary Form, I recognize the beauty and reverence it brings to worship. Yet, I also see the wisdom in Traditionis Custodes. The Church is not a museum preserving a single liturgical form but a living body guided by the Holy Spirit. The Ordinary Form, when celebrated with reverence, embodies the spirit of Vatican II’s call for active participation and evangelization. The Extraordinary Form, when celebrated in communion with the Church, can enrich this mission, but it must not become a source of division or ideological rigidity.
The fourth anniversary of Traditionis Custodes invites us to reflect on our role as Catholics in fostering unity. Traditionalists must confront the problematic ideologies within their ranks—division, rejection of Vatican II, sede vacantism, attacks on the papacy, antisemitism, racism, and Eurocentrism—and work to root them out. These attitudes not only harm the Church but also betray the very tradition they claim to uphold. At the same time, bishops and pastors must approach traditionalist communities with pastoral sensitivity, recognizing that many are simply seeking reverence and continuity in their worship.
Pope Leo XIV has an opportunity to bridge divides, but this will require dialogue, not rescission. The Church must continue to affirm the validity of Vatican II and the Ordinary Form while allowing space for the Extraordinary Form where it fosters unity rather than division. As Catholics, we are called to love the liturgy without making it an idol, to honor tradition without rejecting the present, and to follow the Holy Father without losing sight of our shared mission to proclaim the Gospel.
In conclusion, Traditionis Custodes was not an attack on tradition but a call to safeguard the Church’s unity. Its fourth anniversary reminds us that the path forward lies in humility, charity, and fidelity to the Church’s living tradition. Let us pray for Pope Leo XIV, for our bishops, and for all Catholics, that we may worship together in harmony, united in the one sacrifice of Christ.
Citations:
- Vatican spokesman: Traditionis custodes leak very partial - www.pillarcatholic.com
- Vatican downplays leaked documents on Latin Mass | Catholic News Agency - www.catholicnewsagency.com
- Latin Mass debate grows after apparent leak of Vatican liturgy report | America Magazine - www.americamagazine.org
- Traditionis custodes - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- Pope Francis says traditional Latin Mass was being used in an ideological way | Catholic News Agency - www.catholicnewsagency.com
- Pope Leo XIV Faces an Early Challenge: How to Deal With Pope Francis’ Restrictions on the Latin Mass | National Catholic Register - www.ncregister.com
- Apostolic Letter issued Motu proprio by the Supreme Pontiff Francis Traditionis custodes on the use of the Roman Liturgy prior to ... - www.vatican.va
- Letter of the Holy Father to the Bishops of the whole world, that accompanies the Apostolic Letter Motu Proprio data Traditionis custodes ... - www.vatican.va
- New norms regarding use of 1962 Roman Missal: Bishops given greater responsibility - Vatican News - www.vaticannews.va
- EXCLUSIVE: Official Vatican Report Exposes Major Cracks in Foundation of Traditionis Custodes - dianemontagna.substack.com
- Traditionis Custodes Was Never Merely About the Liturgy | Church Life Journal | University of Notre Dame - churchlifejournal.nd.edu
- Reflections from France on the motu proprio Traditionis Custodes of Pope Francis – Catholic World Report - www.catholicworldreport.com
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