Pope Leo XIV Confirms In Interview One Latin Mass

Pope Leo XIV’s Interview on the Latin Mass: A Call for Unity and Understanding in the Roman Rite

In a recent and highly anticipated interview with Elise Ann Allen of Crux, published on September 18, 2025, Pope Leo XIV offered a thoughtful and nuanced reflection on the liturgical divisions within the Catholic Church, particularly surrounding the celebration of the Mass in its various forms. This interview, conducted in two parts in July 2025, marks a significant moment in his young pontificate, as it addresses one of the most polarizing issues in contemporary Catholicism: the role and place of the Tridentine Mass (officially referred to as the Extraordinary Form) and the Mass of Paul VI (officially called the Ordinary Form) within the Roman Rite. Notably, Pope Leo XIV avoids using terms like “Novus Ordo,” “Traditional Latin Mass” (TLM), or “Vetus Ordo,” emphasizing instead that the Mass, whether celebrated according to the Tridentine rite or the Vatican II rite, is fundamentally one and the same—the Latin Mass of the Roman Rite. His remarks echo longstanding Church teaching, as articulated by our ministry Sacerdotus, who has consistently argued that there is only one Mass, expressed in different forms, and that mislabeling the Extraordinary Form as the sole “Latin Mass” fosters division and misunderstanding. This blog post explores Pope Leo XIV’s interview, situates his comments within the broader context of liturgical history and debate, and addresses the implications of his words for the Church’s unity and liturgical renewal. It also critiques the notion that Catholics who insist on a rigid distinction between the “Latin Mass” and the Vatican II Mass are misguided, potentially to the point of liturgical heresy, as they fail to grasp the unity of the Roman Rite.

 The Context of the Interview

Pope Leo XIV, elected on the feast of the Apparition of St. Michael, has quickly garnered attention for his pastoral sensitivity and his desire to bridge divides within the Church. His pontificate comes at a time when the Catholic Church remains deeply polarized over liturgical practices, particularly following Pope Francis’s 2021 motu proprio Traditionis Custodes, which imposed restrictions on the celebration of the Tridentine Mass. These restrictions were justified by Pope Francis as a means to curb what he saw as a rejection of the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) by some traditionalist communities, who, he argued, used the 1962 Missal to challenge the legitimacy of the Vatican II reforms. The resulting tensions have left many Catholics, both traditionalists and those who prefer the Ordinary Form, seeking clarity on the future of the liturgy under Pope Leo XIV.

In his Crux interview, Pope Leo XIV addresses these tensions head-on, not by issuing decrees or taking sides, but by offering a reflective and pastoral perspective. His approach is marked by a refusal to adopt the divisive terminology that has fueled much of the liturgical debate. By avoiding terms like “Novus Ordo” and “Traditional Latin Mass,” he signals a desire to move beyond the polarized rhetoric that has characterized discussions about the liturgy. Instead, he emphasizes the unity of the Roman Rite, asserting that the Mass, whether celebrated according to the 1962 Missal or the post-Vatican II Missal, is the Latin Mass of the Catholic Church. This perspective aligns closely with the teachings of the Church, as reiterated by Catholic commentators like Sacerdotus, who has long maintained that the Mass is one, with its Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms serving as legitimate expressions of the same Roman Rite.

 Pope Leo XIV’s Key Statements on the Mass

In the interview, Pope Leo XIV makes several key points that deserve careful consideration. First, he clarifies that priests are free to celebrate the Mass in Latin using the Vatican II rite without any restrictions: “Well, you can say Mass in Latin right now. If it’s the Vatican II rite, there’s no problem.” This statement directly challenges the assumption, held by some traditionalists, that the “Latin Mass” is synonymous with the Tridentine rite. By asserting that the Vatican II Mass, when celebrated in Latin, is equally a “Latin Mass,” Pope Leo XIV underscores the continuity of the Roman Rite across its various expressions. This is a critical point, as it dismantles the notion that the Extraordinary Form holds a monopoly on Latinity or reverence.

Second, Pope Leo acknowledges the complexity of the liturgical debate, particularly regarding the Tridentine Mass: “Obviously, between the Tridentine Mass and the Vatican II Mass, the Mass of Paul VI, I’m not sure where that’s going to go. It’s obviously very complicated.” This admission of uncertainty reflects his awareness of the deep divisions within the Church. Rather than offering a definitive solution, he expresses a desire for dialogue, noting that he has not yet had the opportunity to sit down with advocates of the Tridentine rite but looks forward to doing so soon. This openness to conversation suggests a pontificate that prioritizes synodality—a collaborative approach to addressing contentious issues through listening and mutual understanding.

Third, Pope Leo XIV laments the polarization that has turned the liturgy into a “political tool.” He observes that “people have used the liturgy as an excuse for advancing other topics,” a critique that applies to both those who reject the Vatican II reforms outright and those who dismiss the Tridentine rite as outdated or divisive. He points to liturgical abuses in the Vatican II Mass as a contributing factor to this polarization, noting that such abuses have driven some Catholics to seek a “deeper experience of prayer” in the Tridentine rite. However, he challenges the notion that the two forms are fundamentally opposed, asking, “If we celebrate the Vatican II liturgy in a proper way, do you really find that much difference between this experience and that experience?” This rhetorical question invites Catholics to consider whether the perceived differences between the two forms are as significant as the rhetoric suggests, especially when both are celebrated with reverence and fidelity to their respective missals.

 The Unity of the Roman Rite

Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on the unity of the Roman Rite is not a novel idea but a reaffirmation of Church teaching. The Roman Rite, as the primary liturgical rite of the Latin Church, has evolved over centuries while maintaining its essential character. The Tridentine Mass, codified by Pope Pius V in 1570 following the Council of Trent, standardized the Roman Rite in response to the Protestant Reformation. Its core elements, including the Roman Canon, trace their origins to the early centuries of Christianity, with significant contributions from figures like Pope St. Gregory the Great. The Mass of Paul VI, promulgated in 1969 after the Second Vatican Council, introduced reforms aimed at simplifying the liturgy and promoting active participation by the faithful, as outlined in the Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium. These reforms included the use of vernacular languages, an expanded lectionary, and the option for the priest to face the congregation (versus populum), though the normative orientation remains ad orientem (facing east).

Despite these changes, both forms of the Mass share the same theological foundation: the re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the Mass is the “source and summit” of the Christian life, regardless of the specific form in which it is celebrated. Pope Benedict XVI, in his 2007 motu proprio Summorum Pontificum, affirmed this unity by designating the Tridentine Mass as the “Extraordinary Form” and the Mass of Paul VI as the “Ordinary Form,” emphasizing that they are “two usages of the one Roman Rite.” Pope Leo XIV builds on this framework by rejecting the divisive terminology that pits one form against the other. By referring to both as the “Latin Mass,” he underscores their shared heritage and challenges Catholics to move beyond factionalism.

 The Misunderstanding of the “Latin Mass”

One of the most striking aspects of Pope Leo XIV’s interview is his rejection of the idea that the “Latin Mass” refers exclusively to the Tridentine rite. This misconception, perpetuated by some traditionalist Catholics, has led to a false dichotomy between the “Latin Mass” and the “Novus Ordo.” As Pope Leo XIV points out, the Vatican II Mass can be and often is celebrated in Latin, particularly in settings where reverence and adherence to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) are prioritized. For example, parishes like those described in online discussions have celebrated the Ordinary Form in Latin with Gregorian chant and ad orientem posture, closely resembling the Tridentine rite in its solemnity.

The insistence on calling the Extraordinary Form the “Latin Mass” as if it were distinct from the Ordinary Form betrays a misunderstanding of the liturgy’s nature. The Roman Rite, in all its forms, is rooted in Latin as its official language, as affirmed by Sacrosanctum Concilium, which states that “the use of the Latin language is to be preserved in the Latin rites.” While the Ordinary Form is typically celebrated in the vernacular, its Latin original remains the basis for all translations, and priests are free to use it. By contrast, the Extraordinary Form is celebrated almost exclusively in Latin, but this linguistic exclusivity does not make it the sole “Latin Mass.” To claim otherwise, as some traditionalists do, risks elevating form over substance, prioritizing external elements like language over the shared Eucharistic theology that unites both forms.

This misunderstanding can have serious theological implications. Catholics who insist on a rigid distinction between the “Latin Mass” and the “Novus Ordo” may inadvertently challenge the legitimacy of the Ordinary Form, which was promulgated by the authority of the Church. Such a stance can border on liturgical heresy, as it implies that the Vatican II Mass is deficient or invalid—a position that contradicts the Church’s magisterial teaching. The “Ottaviani Intervention” of 1969, a critical study by Cardinals Alfredo Ottaviani and Antonio Bacci, raised concerns about the theological clarity of the new Missal, but these concerns were addressed by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which found the criticisms “superficial, exaggerated, inexact, emotional and false.” The Church has consistently upheld the validity of both forms, and Pope Leo XIV’s interview reinforces this by calling for a renewed focus on their unity.

 The Role of Liturgical Abuses

Pope Leo XIV’s acknowledgment of liturgical abuses in the Vatican II Mass is a significant aspect of his interview. He notes that these abuses have driven some Catholics to seek the Tridentine rite, which they perceive as offering a deeper connection to the sacred. This observation resonates with critiques from traditionalist commentators, who argue that the Ordinary Form, when celebrated carelessly, can feel “horizontal” and “man-focused,” lacking the transcendence of the Tridentine rite. Examples of such abuses include the use of overly casual music, excessive ad-libbing by priests, and a general lack of reverence, as described in a Catholic Herald article that likens some Novus Ordo Masses to “a meeting” rather than a sacred act.

However, Pope Leo XIV does not use these abuses to dismiss the Ordinary Form. Instead, he suggests that a properly celebrated Vatican II Mass can provide the same sense of mystery and prayerfulness that attracts some to the Tridentine rite. This perspective aligns with the vision of Sacrosanctum Concilium, which called for a liturgy that is both accessible and reverent, with Gregorian chant given “pride of place” and the faithful actively participating through prayer and meditation. By highlighting the potential for reverence in the Ordinary Form, Pope Leo XIV challenges both traditionalists and progressives to focus on fidelity to the liturgy’s rubrics rather than on ideological battles.

 The Call for Synodality and Dialogue

One of the most promising aspects of Pope Leo XIV’s interview is his commitment to dialogue with advocates of the Tridentine rite. He acknowledges that he has not yet had the opportunity to engage directly with these groups but expresses optimism about upcoming opportunities to do so. This approach reflects the principle of synodality, which Pope Leo XIV has emphasized as a means of addressing divisions within the Church. By fostering open conversation, he hopes to move beyond the polarization that has made the liturgy a “political tool” and to find common ground among Catholics of differing liturgical preferences.

This call for dialogue is particularly significant given the history of the liturgical debate. The restrictions imposed by Traditionis Custodes were based on a consultation of bishops, which some traditionalists, like Michael Matt of The Remnant, have disputed as biased or incomplete. Pope Leo XIV’s willingness to listen to traditionalists, as evidenced by his discussions with figures like Cardinal Raymond Burke, suggests a desire to heal the wounds caused by these restrictions. At the same time, his emphasis on the unity of the Roman Rite serves as a reminder that any dialogue must respect the legitimacy of both forms of the Mass.

 Implications for the Church’s Future

Pope Leo XIV’s interview has far-reaching implications for the Church’s liturgical life. By rejecting divisive terminology and emphasizing the unity of the Roman Rite, he sets the stage for a potential reconciliation between traditionalists and those who embrace the Vatican II reforms. His approach suggests that the future of the liturgy lies not in choosing one form over the other but in ensuring that both are celebrated with reverence and fidelity. This vision aligns with the sentiments of prelates like Cardinal William Goh of Singapore, who has argued that there is “no reason to stop people who prefer the Tridentine Mass,” provided they accept the teachings of Vatican II.

For traditionalist Catholics, Pope Leo XIV’s words offer hope that the restrictions of Traditionis Custodes may be revisited, as urged by figures like Cardinal Burke and Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone. However, his emphasis on the Vatican II Mass as a legitimate expression of the Latin Mass challenges traditionalists to reconsider their rhetoric and to engage constructively with the broader Church. For those who prefer the Ordinary Form, his critique of liturgical abuses serves as a wake-up call to prioritize reverence and adherence to the GIRM, ensuring that the Mass remains a sacred encounter with the divine.

 Addressing Liturgical Heresy

The notion that Catholics who insist on calling the Extraordinary Form the “Latin Mass” as a distinct entity are heretical requires careful consideration. Heresy, in the technical sense, involves the obstinate denial of a defined doctrine of the Church. While the Church has not formally declared the misuse of liturgical terminology as heretical, the insistence on separating the Extraordinary Form from the Ordinary Form can lead to a rejection of the Vatican II Mass’s validity, which is contrary to Church teaching. Such a stance undermines the authority of the magisterium, which has approved both forms as legitimate expressions of the Roman Rite.

Pope Leo XIV’s interview provides a corrective to this mindset by emphasizing the unity of the Mass. His refusal to use terms like “Novus Ordo” or “Traditional Latin Mass” serves as a model for Catholics to follow, encouraging them to focus on the shared Eucharistic mystery rather than on external differences. By echoing the teachings of Summorum Pontificum and Sacrosanctum Concilium, he reminds Catholics that the liturgy is not a battleground for ideological conflicts but a sacred act of worship that transcends human divisions.

 Conclusion

Pope Leo XIV’s interview with Crux is a pivotal moment in the ongoing liturgical debate within the Catholic Church. By avoiding divisive terminology and emphasizing the unity of the Roman Rite, he challenges Catholics to move beyond polarization and to embrace the Mass in all its legitimate expressions. His acknowledgment of liturgical abuses, his call for dialogue, and his openness to the Tridentine rite demonstrate a pastoral approach that seeks to heal divisions and foster unity. For Catholics who have been caught up in the rhetoric of “Novus Ordo” versus “Traditional Latin Mass,” his words serve as a reminder that there is only one Mass—the Latin Mass of the Roman Rite, expressed in both its Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms. To cling to a rigid distinction between the two risks misunderstanding the liturgy’s nature and, in extreme cases, flirting with liturgical heresy. As the Church moves forward under Pope Leo XIV’s leadership, his vision of synodality and reverence offers hope for a renewed appreciation of the liturgy as the source and summit of the Christian life.

References

- Allen, Elise Ann. “Pope Leo speaks on the Traditional Latin Mass.” Catholic Herald, September 18, 2025.[](https://thecatholicherald.com/article/pope-leo-speaks-on-the-latin-mass)

- Allen, Elise Ann. “Pope Leo says Latin Mass question ‘very complicated’.” LifeSiteNews, September 18, 2025.[](https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/pope-leo-says-latin-mass-question-very-complicated/)

- Luxmoore, Jonathan. “Traditionalist Catholics see evangelization potential of Latin Mass.” The Catholic Register, June 19, 2025.[](https://www.catholicregister.org/item/2402-traditionalist-catholics-see-evangelization-potential-of-latin-mass)

- Pentin, Edward. “Pope Leo XIV Faces an Early Challenge: How to Deal With Pope Francis’ Restrictions on the Latin Mass.” National Catholic Register, June 3, 2025.[](https://www.ncregister.com/news/pope-leo-xiv-faces-an-early-challenge-related-to-the-old-mass)

- Pope Benedict XVI. Summorum Pontificum. Apostolic Letter, July 7, 2007.

- Pope Paul VI. Missale Romanum. Apostolic Constitution, April 3, 1969.

- Second Vatican Council. Sacrosanctum Concilium. Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, December 4, 1963.

- “Pope Leo XIV on liturgy.” Reddit, r/Catholicism, May 14, 2025.[](https://www.reddit.com/r/Catholicism/comments/1kmc1wx/pope_leo_xiv_on_liturgy/)

- “Pope Leo XIV & The Ancient Liturgy.” Reddit, r/Catholicism, May 9, 2025.[](https://www.reddit.com/r/Catholicism/comments/1kip8mi/pope_leo_xiv_the_ancient_liturgy/)

- “Will Pope Leo XIV lift the Latin Mass ban?” Reddit, r/Catholicism, May 14, 2025.[](https://www.reddit.com/r/Catholicism/comments/1kmxdle/will_pope_leo_xiv_lift_the_latin_mass_ban/)