The image of a solemn liturgical celebration, with incense rising and a priest in traditional vestments at the altar, evokes a deep sense of reverence and continuity within the Catholic Church. This scene, captured in a recent post by Catholic News Service, accompanies news from Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía regarding Pope Leo XIV’s stance on the Traditional Latin Mass.
The apostolic nuncio to Great Britain has clarified that Pope Leo XIV will not overturn Traditionis Custodes, the 2021 apostolic letter by Pope Francis that imposed restrictions on the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. Instead, the pope will continue to grant two-year dispensations to bishops who request them. This decision, far from being a disappointment, is a prudent and necessary step to protect the integrity of the liturgy.
The Extraordinary Form, rooted in the Tridentine Mass codified in 1570, holds a cherished place in the Church’s history. However, its use has increasingly been co-opted by traditionalist groups who push ideological agendas that stray from the spirit of Vatican II and the unity it sought to foster. These postmodern-day Pharisees, cloaking themselves in the mantle of tradition, often wield the Latin Mass as a tool to assert control, foster division, and resist the broader reforms that have enriched the Church’s global mission. Their approach risks turning a sacred rite into a battleground for personal or political causes, undermining the very tradition they claim to uphold.
Pope Leo XIV’s decision to maintain Traditionis Custodes while allowing limited dispensations strikes a balanced chord. It preserves the post-Vatican II liturgical framework as the ordinary expression of the Roman Rite, ensuring that the Church remains a united body with a clear direction. At the same time, it acknowledges the legitimate devotion of those who find spiritual nourishment in the older rite, offering a controlled avenue for its celebration under episcopal oversight. This approach guards against the abuses that have crept into some traditionalist circles, where the Extraordinary Form has been used to promote schismatic tendencies or to reject the Church’s broader pastoral vision.
The Church must remain vigilant in protecting its liturgical heritage from being hijacked by those who would distort it for their own ends. The beauty of the Latin Mass lies in its ability to connect believers to centuries of faith, not in serving as a platform for ideological warfare. Pope Leo XIV’s stance ensures that this treasure is preserved with reverence, free from the distortions of those who would misuse it. By not rescinding Traditionis Custodes, he upholds the unity and mission of the Church, safeguarding the Extraordinary Form for those who approach it with humility and fidelity.
In conclusion, this decision is a welcome affirmation of the Church’s commitment to balance and integrity. It is good that Pope Leo XIV will not rescind Traditionis Custodes, for it shields the liturgy from the divisive ideologies of traditionalist extremists and ensures that the Extraordinary Form remains a source of grace, not contention.
Citation:
Catholic News Service Rome, "The 'news' Archbishop Buendía shared with the CBCEW was that PopeLeo won't overturn Traditionis Custodes. The Dicastery for Divine Worship already grants bishops 2-year dispensations from TC. (📸@PabloEsparzaa)," posted on X, November 14, 2025, 15:28 UTC, https://x.com/CatholicNewsSvc/status/1989354775473996068.
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