Is the 'Latin Mass' Being Restricted? A Crackdown?

The Latin Mass: Unity in Diversity, Not Restriction

The claim that the Catholic Church is restricting or cracking down on the Latin Mass has gained traction in certain circles, particularly among those who prefer the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. This narrative, often amplified by traditionalist commentators, paints a picture of a Church intent on suppressing a cherished liturgical tradition. 

However, this perspective oversimplifies a complex issue and fails to account for the broader context of liturgical unity, episcopal authority, and the Church’s mission to foster communion. Recent actions by bishops like Michael Martin of Charlotte and Daniel Garcia of Monterey, as well as statements from Pope Leo XIV, demonstrate not a crackdown but a careful effort to ensure the Mass—whether in its Ordinary or Extraordinary Form—serves its purpose as a unifying act of worship. Moreover, concerns about the Extraordinary Form being used to promote political agendas, particularly right-wing ideologies, highlight the need for pastoral oversight. This post will refute the claim of a crackdown, clarify the Church’s teaching on the unity of the Latin Mass, affirm the authority of bishops to regulate liturgy, and address the misuse of the Extraordinary Form for ideological purposes, all while emphasizing that the Mass, in any form, is inherently traditional.

 The Unity of the Latin Mass: One Rite, Two Expressions

At the heart of the discussion is a fundamental truth reaffirmed by Pope Leo XIV: there is only one Latin Mass, expressed in two forms—the Ordinary Form and the Extraordinary Form. This understanding, rooted in the Church’s liturgical theology, counters the notion of a division between two competing rites. The Ordinary Form, promulgated by Pope Paul VI following the Second Vatican Council, and the Extraordinary Form, based on the 1962 Roman Missal, are not separate liturgies but complementary expressions of the same Roman Rite. Pope Leo XIV has reiterated this principle, emphasizing that both forms share the same theological substance: the celebration of Christ’s sacrifice and the unity of the Church in worship.

The claim of a “crackdown” often stems from a misinterpretation of actions taken to regulate the Extraordinary Form, particularly following Pope Francis’ 2021 motu proprio Traditionis Custodes. Critics argue that this document and subsequent episcopal decisions aim to suppress the Extraordinary Form. However, this view overlooks the Church’s intent to address divisions and ensure that all celebrations of the Mass reflect the unity of the Roman Rite. Pope Francis expressed concern that the Extraordinary Form was, in some cases, being used to reject the liturgical reforms of Vatican II, creating a sense of division rather than communion. Pope Leo XIV, while adopting a gentler tone, has continued to uphold this principle, emphasizing that the Church’s liturgy must foster harmony, not discord.

The idea of a single Latin Mass with two expressions is not new. Pope Benedict XVI, in his 2007 motu proprio Summorum Pontificum, described the Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms as “two usages of the one Roman Rite.” This framework rejects the notion that one form is superior or more “traditional” than the other. Both forms, when celebrated with reverence, express the same mystery of faith. The Ordinary Form, with its use of the vernacular and simplified structure, makes the liturgy more accessible to many, while the Extraordinary Form, with its Latin prayers and intricate rituals, appeals to those drawn to its historical depth. By affirming this unity, Pope Leo XIV has clarified that the Church is not restricting the Latin Mass but ensuring that its expressions serve the common good of the faithful.

 Episcopal Authority and Liturgical Regulation

Bishops, as successors of the apostles, hold the authority to regulate the liturgy within their dioceses. This responsibility, rooted in canon law and reaffirmed by Traditionis Custodes, ensures that the celebration of the Mass aligns with the Church’s mission to promote unity. Recent cases involving Bishop Michael Martin of Charlotte and Bishop Daniel Garcia of Monterey illustrate how bishops exercise this authority, not to suppress the Extraordinary Form but to integrate it into the broader life of the Church.

In the Diocese of Charlotte, Bishop Michael Martin initially proposed restrictions on the Extraordinary Form in 2025, prompting concern among some traditionalist communities. However, following backlash, he delayed these measures, stating that the diocese would abide by any future Vatican directives. This decision reflects a pastoral approach, balancing the needs of those attached to the Extraordinary Form with the diocese’s commitment to liturgical unity. Rather than a blanket ban, Bishop Martin designated a specific chapel for the celebration of the Extraordinary Form, ensuring its availability while adhering to Vatican guidelines. This move demonstrates that regulation is not synonymous with restriction; it is about ordering worship in a way that serves all the faithful.

Similarly, Bishop Daniel Garcia, in one of his final acts as Bishop of Monterey, issued a letter in September 2025 terminating the Extraordinary Form at a parish where it was celebrated by Father Stephen Akers. Garcia’s decision was grounded in his desire to strengthen unity within the diocese, citing the small number of attendees at the Extraordinary Form and the need for the pastor to focus on the entire parish community. He referenced Traditionis Custodes and Pope Leo XIV’s call for harmony, urging the faithful to participate in the Ordinary Form as a sign of communion. Critics framed this as a “crackdown,” but Garcia’s action was a legitimate exercise of episcopal authority, prioritizing the pastoral needs of the diocese over the preferences of a small group.

These cases highlight a key point: bishops are tasked with discerning how best to celebrate the liturgy in their local contexts. The Church does not operate on a one-size-fits-all model; what works in one diocese may not suit another. By regulating the Extraordinary Form, bishops like Martin and Garcia are not attacking tradition but ensuring that the liturgy remains a source of unity rather than division. This authority is not new but flows from the Church’s structure, where bishops, in communion with the Pope, shepherd their flocks.

 The Extraordinary Form and Ideological Misuse

One of the most significant concerns raised by Traditionis Custodes and echoed in recent discussions is the misuse of the Extraordinary Form to promote political and ideological agendas, particularly those associated with right-wing ideologies. While the Extraordinary Form itself is a legitimate and beautiful expression of the Church’s liturgy, some within the traditionalist movement have used it as a platform to advance views that are at odds with the Gospel. This issue, more than any other, underscores the need for careful oversight by bishops and the Vatican.

Traditionalist communities, while often devout, have at times aligned themselves with political movements that emphasize nationalism, anti-immigrant sentiment, or rejection of modern Church teachings. For example, some traditionalist groups have been vocal in their opposition to Pope Francis’ emphasis on social justice, environmental stewardship, and openness to marginalized groups. These stances, which can veer into right-wing ideologies, are not inherent to the Extraordinary Form but have been associated with it in certain contexts. Pope Francis noted in 2021 that some adherents of the Extraordinary Form rejected the Second Vatican Council, claiming it betrayed the “true Church.” This rejection can foster a sense of alienation from the broader Catholic community, creating parallel communities that prioritize ideological purity over ecclesial unity.

The Extraordinary Form, with its rich symbolism and historical continuity, can be a powerful tool for evangelization, as seen in events like the traditionalist pilgrimage from Paris to Chartres, which drew 20,000 young people in June 2025. However, when it becomes a rallying point for political agendas, it risks losing its spiritual focus. Bishops, in their role as guardians of the liturgy, must ensure that the Mass—whether Ordinary or Extraordinary—remains a celebration of Christ’s sacrifice, not a vehicle for ideological battles. The actions of bishops like Martin and Garcia reflect this pastoral concern, seeking to curb divisions that arise when the liturgy is co-opted for non-spiritual purposes.

 The Mass: Traditional by Default

A critical point often overlooked in the debate is that the Mass, in both its Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms, is inherently traditional. The term “traditional” does not belong exclusively to the Extraordinary Form; it applies to the entire Roman Rite, which has evolved over centuries while retaining its core elements. The Ordinary Form, far from being a modernist invention, is rooted in the same sacrificial theology as the Extraordinary Form. Both forms celebrate the Eucharist, proclaim the Word of God, and unite the faithful in worship. To claim that only the Extraordinary Form is “traditional” is to misunderstand the nature of tradition in the Church.

Tradition, in the Catholic sense, is not static but living. The Second Vatican Council, in its constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium, called for a reform of the liturgy to make it more accessible while preserving its sacred character. The Ordinary Form, with its use of the vernacular and simplified structure, fulfills this vision while maintaining continuity with the Church’s liturgical heritage. The Extraordinary Form, while preserving older rituals, is not a frozen relic but a living expression of the same faith. Both forms, when celebrated with reverence, reflect the Church’s tradition of adapting to the needs of the faithful while safeguarding the deposit of faith.

The narrative of a “crackdown” on the Extraordinary Form often portrays the Ordinary Form as less traditional or even deficient. This view is not only divisive but theologically flawed. The Mass, regardless of its form, is the source and summit of the Christian life, as Vatican II taught. Whether in Latin or the vernacular, with Gregorian chant or contemporary hymns, the Mass remains the same sacrifice of Christ. By emphasizing this truth, Pope Leo XIV and bishops like Martin and Garcia are not restricting tradition but upholding it in its fullest sense.

 Refuting the Crackdown Narrative

Armchair pundits and pretend muckrakers like Diana Montagna are quick to label a bishop's actions as a "crackdown," but this is just bearing false witness.  The claim of a crackdown on the Latin Mass does not hold up under scrutiny. Actions like those of Bishop Martin and Bishop Garcia are not about suppressing the Extraordinary Form but about ensuring that it serves the Church’s mission of unity. The Church has not banned the Extraordinary Form; rather, it has placed its celebration under the authority of bishops, who are best positioned to assess the needs of their dioceses. Pope Leo XIV’s approach, while more conciliatory than his predecessor’s, continues to prioritize this unity, as seen in his exemption for the Diocese of San Angelo, where the Extraordinary Form continues to thrive under specific conditions.

Moreover, the Church’s history shows that liturgical regulation is not new. In 1984, Pope John Paul II allowed limited use of the Extraordinary Form under strict conditions, and Pope Benedict XVI expanded access in 2007 while still affirming episcopal oversight. Traditionis Custodes and subsequent actions build on this tradition of balancing freedom with responsibility. The leaked Vatican documents from 2025, which suggested that a majority of bishops viewed the Extraordinary Form favorably, do not undermine this approach; they highlight the complexity of liturgical governance and the need for dialogue, not division.

The Extraordinary Form remains available in many dioceses, often with Vatican exemptions or episcopal approval. For example, in San Angelo, Bishop Michael Sis successfully petitioned for an exemption, allowing the Extraordinary Form to continue at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish. This case, far from evidencing a crackdown, shows the Church’s flexibility in accommodating the needs of the faithful while maintaining oversight. Similarly, the delay in Charlotte reflects a willingness to listen and adapt, not a rigid suppression of the liturgy.

 Conclusion

The narrative of a crackdown on the Latin Mass misrepresents the Church’s efforts to foster unity and regulate the liturgy responsibly. Pope Leo XIV’s affirmation of one Latin Mass with two expressions—the Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms—underscores the Church’s commitment to its liturgical heritage. Bishops like Michael Martin and Daniel Garcia, in exercising their authority, are not restricting tradition but ensuring that the Mass serves its purpose as a unifying act of worship. The misuse of the Extraordinary Form to promote right-wing ideologies highlights the need for such oversight, as the liturgy must remain a spiritual, not political, act. Above all, the Mass, in any form, is traditional by default, rooted in the unchanging sacrifice of Christ. By understanding these truths, Catholics can move beyond divisive narratives and embrace the richness of the Roman Rite in all its expressions.

References and Sources  

- Catholic News Agency, “Bishop cancels Latin Mass in California parish to bring about ‘unity’,” September 23, 2025  [](https://catholicnewsagency.com/news/266731/bishop-cancels-latin-mass-in-california-parish-to-bring-about-unity)

- National Catholic Register, “Charlotte Bishop Delays Traditional Latin Mass Restrictions After Backlash,” June 3, 2025  [](https://www.ncregister.com/news/charlotte-bishop-delays-traditional-latin-mass-restrictions-after-backlash)

- Catholic News Agency, “Cardinal Raymond Burke says he asked Pope Leo XIV to lift Latin Mass restrictions,” June 16, 2025  [](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/264773/cardinal-burke-asks-pope-leo-to-lift-latin-mass-restrictions)

- The Catholic Thing, “Pope Leo’s early challenge: What to do about Pope Francis’ Latin Mass restrictions,” June 5, 2025  [](https://www.thecatholicthing.org/2025/06/05/pope-leos-early-challenge-what-to-do-about-pope-francis-latin-mass-restrictions/)

- Concho Valley Homepage, “Exclusive from Rome: Pope Leo XIV issues exemption to San Angelo Diocese,” July 17, 2025  [](https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/news/exclusive-from-rome-pope-leo-xiv-issues-exemption-to-san-angelo-diocese/)

- Catholic Review, “Traditionalist Catholics see evangelization potential of Latin Mass,” June 20, 2025  [](https://catholicreview.org/traditionalist-catholics-see-evangelization-potential-of-latin-mass/)

- Catholic News Agency, “Diocese of Charlotte will restrict Latin Mass in line with Pope Francis’ directive,” May 24, 2025  [](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/264333/diocese-of-charlotte-will-restrict-latin-mass-in-line-with-pope-francis-directive)

- ZENIT, “Will Leo XIV Remove Restrictions on The Traditional Mass? A Cardinal Has Asked Him to Do So,” June 30, 2025  [](https://zenit.org/2025/06/30/will-leo-xiv-remove-restrictions-on-the-traditional-mass-a-cardinal-has-asked-him-to-do-so-this-is-what-he-said/)

- The New York Times, “Pope Francis Restricts Use of Old Latin Mass, in a Blow to Conservatives,” July 16, 2021  [](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/16/world/europe/pope-francis-old-latin-mass.html)

- AP News, “Pope intervenes again to restrict celebration of Latin Mass,” February 21, 2023  [](https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-vatican-city-religion-13fb8d27e538fc0aafec26a5087d387e)

- National Catholic Reporter, “Pope Francis approves further restrictions on Latin Mass to ensure adherence to Vatican II,” December 17, 2021  [](https://www.ncronline.org/news/vatican/pope-francis-approves-further-clarifications-latin-mass-restrictions-ensure-adherence)

- National Catholic Reporter, “The traditional Latin Mass is not the problem with traditionalist communities,” August 18, 2021  [](https://www.ncronline.org/news/opinion/traditional-latin-mass-not-problem-traditionalist-communities)

- AP News, “Vatican says leaked documents were only part of information Pope Francis used to restrict Latin Mass,” July 2, 2025  [](https://apnews.com/article/vatican-latin-mass-pope-leo-francis-catholic-5c15ea6c49b255a7d98cde9276a46acd)

- Catholic News Agency, “Vatican downplays leaked documents on Latin Mass,” July 3, 2025  [](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/265151/vatican-downplays-leaked-documents-on-latin-mass)