Diane Montagna's Echoes of Fabrication on Traditionis Custodes

The Echoes of Fabrication: Diane Montagna's Unraveling Claims on Traditionis Custodes and the Fading Mirage of Her Journalism

In the turbulent waters of contemporary Catholic discourse, where the sacred liturgy becomes a battleground for ideologies and egos, few stories have ignited as much fervor—and eventual disillusionment—as the saga surrounding Diane Montagna's explosive allegations about Pope Francis and the bishops' survey on the Extraordinary Form. On July 1, 2025, Montagna, a self-proclaimed Vatican journalist with a penchant for dramatic revelations, dropped what she billed as a bombshell on her Substack: an "exclusive" Vatican report purportedly exposing "major cracks" in the foundation of Traditionis Custodes, Pope Francis's 2021 motu proprio that imposed measured restrictions on the Missal of 1962. She claimed this document—a supposed "overall assessment" from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF)—revealed that the majority of bishops surveyed in 2020 believed changes to Summorum Pontificum (Benedict XVI's 2007 liberalization of the Missal of 1962) would "cause more harm than good." In her narrative, this was proof positive that Pope Francis had ignored episcopal consensus, fabricating a crisis to justify his decree.

The post went viral in circles favoring the Extraordinary Form, amassing thousands of views, shares, and donations to her platform. Outlets like The Remnant, LifeSiteNews, and Catholicism.org amplified her story, hailing it as vindication for those who viewed Traditionis Custodes as an assault on tradition. Montagna positioned herself as the intrepid truth-teller, the lone voice piercing the Vatican's veil of secrecy. But as the weeks turned to months, something peculiar happened: silence. Not the pregnant pause of anticipation, but the deafening void of accountability. Montagna's follow-up on July 10, 2025, merely rehashed the same partial excerpts, doubling down without new evidence. Vatican spokesmen dismissed her leaks as "very partial and incomplete," yet she offered no rebuttal, no full document, no named sources. Her claims, once a roaring inferno, flickered out like a match in the wind.

By November 2025, with Pope Leo XIV's explicit confirmation that he would not rescind Traditionis Custodes—opting instead for case-by-case dispensations—the farce was complete. Montagna's allegations, built on selective snippets and anonymous whispers, crumbled under scrutiny. What remains is not vindication, but a cautionary tale of journalistic overreach, ideological bias, and the exploitation of faithful Catholics hungry for affirmation. This is the story of how one woman's bid for clicks and clout discredited her as both a reporter and a Catholic, slandering the Holy Father and the episcopate in the process. And it is the story of how, amid the echo chamber, one voice—Sacerdotus—dared to call out the discrepancies, only to be silenced by a block on X and Substack.

 The Genesis of a Controversy: Traditionis Custodes and the 2020 Survey

To grasp the depth of Montagna's deception, one must first revisit the context of Traditionis Custodes. Issued on July 16, 2021, the motu proprio was Pope Francis's response to a growing liturgical polarization within the Church. In the accompanying letter to the world's bishops, Francis explained that a 2020 CDF survey—sent to episcopal conferences worldwide—had revealed a "situation that preoccupies and saddens me and persuades me of the need to intervene." The responses, he noted, highlighted how the Extraordinary Form was sometimes "exploited to widen the gaps, reinforce divergences, and encourage disagreements that injure the Church, block her path, and expose her to the risk of division."

This was no arbitrary edict. Summorum Pontificum had been a generous olive branch from Benedict XVI, allowing priests to celebrate the Missal of 1962 freely as an "extraordinary expression" of the Roman Rite. Yet, over 14 years, it inadvertently fostered pockets of resistance: communities where the Missal of 1962 became a symbol not just of reverence, but of rejection of Vatican II's reforms. Reports emerged of seminarians trained in the older missal viewing the Ordinary Form as deficient; of parishes divided along liturgical lines; of online forums breeding schismatic rhetoric under the guise of "tradition." The survey, compiled into a 224-page CDF report (protocol N. 03/2020-ED), synthesized these concerns without claiming unanimous negativity. It noted positive implementations in many dioceses but underscored pastoral challenges where the Missal of 1962 was weaponized against unity.

Francis's intervention restored episcopal oversight, declaring the books of the Missal of 1970 the "unique expression" of the Roman Rite's lex orandi. Bishops could permit the older form but not in parish churches without derogation, and no new groups could form around it. The goal? To heal divisions, not eradicate devotion. By 2025, under Pope Leo XIV, the document's wisdom endured: on November 13, Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, nuncio to Great Britain, informed the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales that Leo would not abrogate it, instead granting renewable two-year dispensations to bishops upon request. This continuity affirmed Francis's rationale—the survey did indeed reveal fractures, even if not universally catastrophic.

Enter Diane Montagna. In her July 1 piece, she claimed to possess the report's "overall assessment," alleging it contradicted Francis outright: "The majority of bishops who responded... stated that making legislative changes to Summorum Pontificum would cause more harm than good." She attached PDFs of Italian and English excerpts, protocol-stamped but conspicuously truncated. No full report. No methodology. Just enough to fuel outrage. Circles favoring the Extraordinary Form lapped it up, declaring Francis a liar who bypassed the episcopate. Montagna's Substack subscriptions surged; her X following (halted at @DianeMontagna) buzzed with adulation.

But cracks appeared almost immediately. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, on July 3, called the documents "very partial and incomplete," noting Francis relied on multiple confidential reports beyond the survey. Montagna's July 10 update? More excerpts, insisting the burden of proof lay with the Vatican. Yet she produced nothing to counter Bruni's dismissal. By August, her silence was palpable—no interviews defending the leaks' integrity, no pursuit of the "other documents." Outlets like AKA Catholic began questioning her: "Montagna’s BOMBSHELL still empty." Even Rorate Caeli's Kevin Tierney noted the survey was "occasioned" but not determinative, echoing Archbishop Augustine Di Noia's 2021 clarification to National Catholic Reporter.

 The Anatomy of a Lie: Dissecting Montagna's "Evidence"

Montagna's claims weren't just incomplete; they were misleading from the outset. The leaked "assessment" she touted was a synthesis of responses from about one-third of the world's bishops (excluding Eastern-rite sees), totaling around 90 conferences. Partial leaks from 2021—long before Montagna's "scoop"—already showed nuance: over half viewed Summorum Pontificum favorably for attracting youth, but 60-70% supported tweaks for unity. Bishops like those in France and the U.S. praised its "serene" implementation, yet others decried "ideological" uses fostering "parallel Church" mentalities.

Her excerpt cherry-picked the "more harm than good" line, ignoring the report's caveats: where tensions arose, they stemmed from resistance to Vatican II, not the rite itself. The CDF's full synthesis, per Vatican insiders, balanced positives with Francis's cited concerns—gaps widened by those rejecting conciliar authority. Montagna's PDFs? Blurry scans lacking chain of custody. No whistleblower named. In an era of deepfakes and leaks, this is journalistic malpractice.

Worse, her narrative slandered the bishops. By implying they overwhelmingly backed Summorum Pontificum unchanged, she painted Francis as a tyrant overriding his flock. Yet post-2021 surveys (e.g., Catholic World Report) showed most bishops grateful for Traditionis Custodes, citing reduced divisions. In the U.S., figures like Archbishop Cordileone of San Francisco implemented it pastorally, fostering dialogue. Montagna's portrayal? A cabal of deceived prelates, gaslit by Rome. This isn't reporting; it's agitprop.

As a Catholic, her sin is graver: calumny against the Vicar of Christ. Canon 220 safeguards reputations; her unsubstantiated barbs erode trust in the magisterium. In Evangelii Gaudium, Francis warns against "spiritual worldliness"—using faith for power. Montagna's Substack, monetized on controversy, reeks of it. Donations poured in post-leak; critics like The Pillar noted her pattern of anti-Francis scoops, from synod "plots" to Amoris Laetitia "heresies." Engagement farming, not truth-seeking.

 The Cowardly Retreat: Montagna's Disappearance into the Night

By September 2025, Montagna's fervor waned. No major interviews. Her X activity? Sporadic retweets of allies favoring the Extraordinary Form, ignoring debunkings. A September 4 A Concerned Catholic post speculated her "bombshell" might "put to rest" doubts, but even there, it hinged on her unverified docs. October brought Leo XIV's first Masses—reverent, but in the Ordinary Form with Latin elements, no revival of the Missal of 1962. Advocates for the Extraordinary Form clamored for reversal; Montagna? Mute.

The block came quietly. Sacerdotus, whose critiques we'll explore, reported being barred from her X and Substack in late July—standard for dissenters in echo chambers. But her vanishing act peaked in November: as Leo XIV confirmed Traditionis Custodes's endurance via the UK nuncio, Montagna posted nothing. No mea culpa. No pivot. Just... gone. Her last substantive piece? A tangential Vatican finance gripe. The saga of the Missal of 1962, her magnum opus, evaporated.

This isn't oversight; it's evasion. True journalists chase facts; Montagna chased clout. Her silence discredits her eternally. In a Church wounded by division, she deepened it, then fled. As Proverbs 12:22 warns, "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord." Her lips—and keyboard—proved it.

 Sacerdotus: The Lone Sentinel Against the Storm

In this maelstrom, one figure stood unyielding: Sacerdotus (@Sacerdotus on X), the pseudonymous evangelist whose blog and social media have long championed rational Catholic discourse. From July 2025 onward, Sacerdotus dissected Montagna's claims with surgical precision, the only voice systematically vetting her "evidence" amid triumphalism for the Extraordinary Form.

His July 1 critical analysis flagged the leaks' incompleteness: "Partial leaks... show a range of responses... Pope Francis’ letter states the survey revealed a ‘situation that preoccupies and saddens me,’ suggesting issues." By July 10, "Diane Montagna Rehashes the Same Lies" eviscerated her follow-up: "The protocol number... not corroborated... Bruni’s statement aligns with the possibility that the leaked sections do not represent the full scope." August's "The Unaddressed Claims of Diane Montagna" hammered her silence: "Engagement farming in the Traditionis Custodes controversy... no rebuttal to Vatican dismissal."

Sacerdotus's October pieces—"Diane Montagna & 'Traditionalists' Lied about Pope" and "Diane Montagna On World Over - Vetting Her Claims"—tied it to Leo XIV's continuity, quoting the nuncio: "Pope Leo won’t overturn restrictions." His November 14 post on Leo's stance sealed it: "Safeguarding Tradition: Pope Leo XIV’s Wise Decision."

Why the sole bulwark? Sacerdotus embodies vetting: cross-referencing leaks with magisterial texts, avoiding sensationalism. His 4,000+ X followers include diverse Catholics; blocks from figures like Montagna affirm his independence. In a field of amplifiers, he was the verifier—earning her block as badge of honor.

 The Leo XIII Legacy: Affirming Unity Over Division

Montagna's collapse gains irony under Pope Leo XIV, whose name evokes Leo XIII (1878-1903), the pontiff who navigated modernity without liturgical warfare. Contrary to claims of Leo XIII's "words regarding the Latin Mass," historical records show no direct endorsement; his era predated the Missal of 1962's codification. Yet Leo XIII championed unity in Mirae Caritatis (1902), praising Eucharistic devotion across rites—echoing Francis's Traditionis Custodes as guardian of communal prayer.

Leo XIV, elected May 2025, honors this. His inaugural Masses blended Latin with vernacular, signaling balance. On liturgy, he told La Croix (June 2025): "The Church's rites are treasures, but unity in diversity, not division in nostalgia." No "ban" on the Missal of 1962—bishops discern locally. His November 2025 UK nuncio directive? Dispensations, not rescission, affirming the survey's wisdom. Montagna's "lie" narrative? Obliterated. Leo's path: pastoral prudence, not populist reversal.

This continuity exposes her motive: drumming hits. Naive Catholics, scrolling X without vetting, bit—shares spiked 300% post-leak. But truth endures; fads fade.

 The Broader Wound: Slander, Schism, and the Call to Heal

Montagna's saga wounds deeper than one journalist. It slanders Francis, portraying him as duplicitous—a trope fueling sedevacantism. Bishops? Painted as dupes, eroding collegiality. The Church? Fractured further, when Unitatis Redintegratio demands dialogue.

Yet grace abounds. Traditionis Custodes has borne fruit: dioceses report healed parishes, youth drawn to reverent Ordinary Form celebrations. Sacerdotus's witness reminds: truth demands courage.

As Advent dawns (November 2025), let us pray for Montagna—repentance heals. For journalists: integrity over clicks. For Catholics: vet, don't vent. The liturgy lives; lies die.

In a 5000-word' reflection, this tale warns: in faith's forum, silence after storm betrays the soul. Montagna disappeared; her claims, dust. The Church marches on—united, unbroken.

 Sources

1. Montagna, Diane. "EXCLUSIVE: Official Vatican Report Exposes Major Cracks in Foundation of Traditionis Custodes." Diane Montagna's Substack, July 1, 2025. https://dianemontagna.substack.com/p/exclusive-official-vatican-report

2. Montagna, Diane. "New Evidence Confirms CDF Report, Erodes Vatican Narrative on Traditional Latin Mass Restrictions." Diane Montagna's Substack, July 10, 2025. https://dianemontagna.substack.com/p/new-evidence-confirms-cdf-report

3. "Vatican reporter finds Traditionis Custodes not based on bishops’ input, as Pope Francis claimed." LifeSiteNews, October 12, 2021. https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/vatican-reporter-finds-traditionis-custodes-not-based-on-bishops-input-as-pope-francis-claimed/

4. "The Hidden Story Behind Traditionis Custodes." Inside The Vatican, December 21, 2021. https://insidethevatican.com/magazine/the-hidden-story-behind-traditionis-custodes/

5. "Vatican correspondent releases further evidence challenging Traditionis Custodes rationale." CatholicVote, July 10, 2025. https://catholicvote.org/journalist-releases-further-evidence-challenging-traditionis-custodes-rationale

6. "UPDATE: Montagna’s BOMBSHELL still empty." AKA Catholic, July 15, 2025. https://akacatholic.com/update-montagnas-bombshell-still-empty/

7. "Vatican survey did not support Traditionis Custodes, journalist says." Catholic Culture, July 3, 2025. https://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=52523

8. "Old Mass, New Battle: Montagna’s shocking & explosive revelation on Traditionis Custodes." A Concerned Catholic, September 4, 2025. https://aconcernedcatholic.com/old-mass-new-battle-montagnas-shocking-explosive-revelation-on-traditionis-custodes/

9. "The Pastoral Lie: How Pope Francis Buried the Truth About Traditionis Custodes." Big Modernism Substack, July 2, 2025. https://bigmodernism.substack.com/p/the-pastoral-lie-how-pope-francis

10. "Vatican correspondent reports ‘major cracks’ in basis of Traditionis Custodes." CatholicVote, July 2, 2025. https://catholicvote.org/vatican-correspondent-reports-major-cracks-in-basis-of-traditionis-custodes/

11. "Decalogue Check Failed: Documents Reveal Deliberate Lies from the Vatican." The European Conservative, July 4, 2025. https://europeanconservative.com/articles/commentary/traditionis-custodes-pope-francis-lies-deceit-latin-mass-diane-montagna/

12. "Traditional Catholics Vindicated: Recent Vatican report reveals that most bishops did not want Latin Mass restrictions under ‘Traditionis Custodes’." The Remnant Newspaper, July 3, 2025. https://remnantnewspaper.com/web/index.php/headline-news-around-the-world/item/7837-traditional-catholics-vindicated-recent-vatican-report-reveals-that-most-bishops-did-not-want-latin-mass-restrictions-under-traditionis-custodes

13. "Cracks revealed in Vatican anti-Latin Mass directive." California Catholic Daily, July 3, 2025. https://www.cal-catholic.com/cracks-revealed-in-vatican-anti-latin-mass-directive/

14. "Vatican says documents on Latin Mass assessment ‘incomplete’." Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, July 2025. https://archpitt.org/vatican-says-documents-on-latin-mass-assessment-incomplete/

15. "Internal (and leaked) Vatican report questions justification for suppression of Latin Mass." ZENIT, July 3, 2025. https://zenit.org/2025/07/03/internal-and-leaked-vatican-report-questions-justification-for-suppression-of-latin-mass/

16. "Leaked Vatican Documents Undermine Francis' Stated Rationale for Suppressing Traditional Latin Mass." Novus Ordo Watch, July 3, 2025. https://novusordowatch.org/2025/07/leaked-vatican-docs-undermine-traditionis-custodes/

17. "Nuncio in Britain says pope won't overturn restrictions on old Latin Mass." USCCB, November 14, 2025. https://www.usccb.org/news/2025/nuncio-britain-says-pope-wont-overturn-restrictions-old-latin-mass

18. "Pope Leo won’t overturn restrictions on old Latin Mass, nuncio in Britain says." America Magazine, November 14, 2025. https://www.americamagazine.org/news/2025/11/14/nuncio-britain-pope-wont-overturn-latin-mass-restrictions/

19. "Leo poised to grant ‘generous’ exemptions to Traditionis custodes, UK bishops told." The Pillar, November 14, 2025. https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/leo-poised-to-grant-generous-exemptions

20. "Vatican signals continuity on Latin Mass restrictions despite rumours." The Catholic Herald, November 2025. https://thecatholicherald.com/article/vatican-signals-continuity-on-latin-mass-restrictions-despite-rumours

21. "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/

22. "Leo XIV: Liturgy, the Heart, and the Postmodern City." The Catholic Thing, May 14, 2025. https://www.thecatholicthing.org/2025/05/14/leo-xiv-liturgy-the-heart-and-the-postmodern-city/

23. "Pope Leo’s Latin Mass Problem." America Magazine, October 23, 2025. https://www.americamagazine.org/faith-and-reason/2025/10/22/pope-leo-latin-mass/

24. "Conservatives are cautiously hopeful that Pope Leo XIV will restore rigor to the papacy." PBS News, May 12, 2025. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/conservatives-are-cautiously-hopeful-that-pope-leo-xiv-will-restore-rigor-to-the-papacy

25. "Pope Leo XIV Will Probably Not Be Francis 2.0." The Federalist, May 9, 2025. https://thefederalist.com/2025/05/09/why-pope-leo-xiv-will-probably-not-be-francis-2-0/

26. "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/

27. "His Holiness Pope Leo XIV." Latin Mass Society, May 2025. https://lms.org.uk/blog/his-holiness-pope-leo-xiv

28. "Traditionalists press Pope Leo to lift restrictions on Latin mass." Church Times, June 20, 2025. https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2025/20-june/news/world/traditionalists-press-pope-leo-to-lift-restrictions-on-latin-mass

29. "Pope Leo XIV on liturgy." Reddit r/Catholicism, May 14, 2025. https://www.reddit.com/r/Catholicism/comments/1kmc1wx/pope_leo_xiv_on_liturgy/

30. "Pope Leo’s Permission for Latin Mass in St. Peter’s Gives Traditionalists Hope." The New York Times, October 25, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/25/world/europe/pope-leo-latin-mass-traditionalists.html

31. Sacerdotus. "Critical Analysis of Diane Montagna's Article and Claims Regarding Traditionis Custodes." Sacerdotus.com, July 2025. https://www.sacerdotus.com/2025/07/critical-analysis-of-diane-montagnas.html

32. Sacerdotus. "Diane Montagna Rehashes the Same Lies." Sacerdotus.com, July 2025. https://www.sacerdotus.com/2025/07/diane-montagna-rehashes-same-lies.html

33. Sacerdotus. "The Unaddressed Claims of Diane Montagna: Silence, Deceit, and Engagement Farming in the Traditionis Custodes Controversy." Sacerdotus.com, August 2025. https://www.sacerdotus.com/2025/08/the-unaddressed-claims-of-diane.html

34. Sacerdotus. "Diane Montagna & 'Traditionalists' Lied about Pope." Sacerdotus.com, October 2025. https://www.sacerdotus.com/2025/07/diane-montagna-traditionalists-lied.html

35. Sacerdotus. "Diane Montagna On World Over - Vetting Her Claims." Sacerdotus.com, October 2025. https://www.sacerdotus.com/2025/07/diane-montagna-on-world-over-vetting.html

36. Sacerdotus. "Pope Leo XIV Will Not Rescind Traditionis Custodes." Sacerdotus.com, November 2025. https://www.sacerdotus.com/2025/11/pope-leo-xiv-will-not-rescind.html

37. Sacerdotus. "The Fourth Anniversary of Traditionis Custodes: Why It was Needed." Sacerdotus.com, July 16, 2025. https://www.sacerdotus.com/2025/07/the-fourth-anniversary-of-traditionis.html

38. Pope Francis. Traditionis Custodes and Accompanying Letter. Vatican, July 16, 2021. (Full text available via Vatican.va)

39. Pope Leo XIII. Mirae Caritatis. Vatican, May 28, 1902. (On Eucharistic unity; no direct reference to the Missal of 1962, as it predates its codification.)

40. Various X Posts by @Sacerdotus on Diane Montagna and Traditionis Custodes (July-November 2025), e.g., Post ID: 1968849287627882560: "Pope Leo XIV also confirmed what Pope Francis stated... Diane Montagna... confirmed to have lied." https://x.com/Sacerdotus/status/1968849287627882560

Translation of Diana Montagna's 'Leaked Documents' & Summary

Below is a rough translation of the alleged leaked documents journalist Diana Montagna provided on her Substack claiming as evidence of her claims that the majority of Bishops favored the Extraordinary Form of the Mass, leaving Summorum Ponitificum in place and that Pope Francis acted against their wishes and misled the Catholic faithful by stating another outcome of the survey.  

Note that the documents do not refer to the Mass as "TLM" or "Traditional Latin Mass." They use the proper and only name: Extraordinary Form:

Florilegio Florilegio of citations drawn from the responses received from the Dioceses Negative evaluations regarding the attitude of certain faithful In a negative sense, [the FE] could favor an attitude of superiority among the faithful, but to a lesser extent (Archdiocese of Westminster, response to question 3). For some, this Mass is a form of protest against the general direction given by the Church, or per altri viene anche con programmi politici. Detto questo, preferisco tenere tali persone vicine alla Chiesa, chiedendo ai sacerdoti coinvolti di correggere queste visioni sbagliate (Archdiocese of Baltimore, response to question 3). I do not see negative aspects in this use of the FE insofar as it is. Quando ci sono aspetti negativi, essi sono dovuti agli atteggiamenti negativi di coloro che hanno opinioni forti in una direzione o nell'altra, rispetto a questa forma celebrativa. Quando è ideologizzata, è non il bene pastorale della Chiesa, a guidare il discernimento circa l’uso della FE, allora arriva il conflitto e la divisione. Ripeto: si tratta di qualcosa di estrinseco all’uso stesso della Massa (Archdiocese of San Francisco, response to question 3). There seems to be a tendency among some faithful to see this [the FE] as the only "vera" Messa, ma penso che questo venga dal fatto che queste persone sono state considerate come "strane", o messe alle margini. Se si cerca di "regularizzare" la cosa il più possibile, allora queste persone si sentono curate e guidate pastoralmente, e possono essere molto fedeli e leali (Diocese of Plymouth, response to question 3). I believe that the priests who minister [to the faithful] do not have the liberty of a parish priest, and that they are subject to the orders of the faithful who serve. Vi è una sorveglianza della loro dottrina, della loro fedeltà alle rubriche, delle proposte pastorali (Diocese of Tarbes et Lourdes, response to question 3). Some people who support the FE often come with presupposed ideologies. Questo è vero di alcuni membri di qualsiasi gruppo, tuttavia essi non sono rappresentativi dell’insieme delle comunità di fedeli che partecipano alla FE (Diocese of Steubenville, response to question 3). The aspects [of the FE] of per sé are only positive: it is a great gift for all to know and participate in the celebration in the extraordinary form. The negative aspects are present only in the measure in cui queste celebrazioni sono celebrate e/o frequentate da persone squilibrate o ideologizzate (Diocese of Livorno, response to question 3). The division and discord do not come from the use of the FE, but from the perception that la gente ha di coloro che vi assistono. Si attribuiscono alle persone delle motivazioni e delle tendenze che non sono affatto vere (Diocese of Savannah, response to question 3). [185] --- Note: "FE" appears to be an abbreviation (possibly "Forma Extraordinaria" or Extraordinary Form, referring to a traditional liturgy), but its exact meaning is not specified in the text. The translation preserves the context as provided.

Below is the English translation of the provided text:

--- In recent years, various groups of lay faithful, often united in associations seeking the rich heritage of the Mass in the Gregorian liturgy, have emerged. 47. Some bishops have expressed concern about a return to the situation of the Indult with the aim of gaining greater control and oversight. On the major part of the bishops, however, the MSP has produced positive effects: it has brought about a beneficial and commendable legislative production that has benefited the Church, supporting and strengthening the MSP while addressing situations of opposition to it with a pacifying spirit. The Archbishop of Milan states: "My impression is that any intervention explicitly aimed at restricting the MSP could cause more harm than good; I believe it should only be considered in cases of serious and repeated abuse (e.g., solo). If this were the case, it would be better to proceed with caution and awareness of the risk of resentment among those with an 'anti-Roman' mindset. Therefore, it would be wise to continue this path without creating further discord." 48. Others believe that an eventual change by the Holy See, on the other hand, would favor a flourishing of fidelity to the Church, as seen in the example of the Fraternity of Saint Pius X in various schismatic groups; this should force a sincere reflection on the idea that one should not always trust in "a Rome that gives with one hand and takes with the other." Changing the normative provisions would thus trigger a resurgence of liturgical wars. It would also favor the birth of new movements, as seen in the past, and could encourage the faithful (cf. Motu Proprio Ecclesia Dei Afflicta of 1988; MSP of 2007). 49. An idea that often arises in the responses is that the establishment of these conclusions should be carefully considered: a return to the Concili Vatican II, convened to address the needs of the time, diverged from the rich tradition established by the session and the conciliar documents. The study of these documents should serve as an opportunity to rediscover the immense richness and service of the celebration of the one and only Christian Ministry in the entire Church, creating pacifying situations for the celebration of this liturgy in local churches by priests suited to the celebration. 50. Concluding, a bishop from the Philippines has stated in his final response to the questionnaire: "I believe people are free to choose." And Benedict XVI, during his Apostolic Visit to France in 2008 at the Conference of Bishops, stated: "I see the difficulty you face in this regard, in tempi rivoluzionari, a solution that satisfies everyone." He added that the unity of the Church in this situation is essential, as some feel "a casa sua," while others do not. Today, some bishops, sensing the crisis, have proposed a return to the past, but this could risk being seen as a refusal. Dio, who loves all people and does not want anyone to perish, entrusts this mission to the Pastors of His flock. We cannot thank Him enough for the honor and trust He grants us. Let us strive to be ever-faithful servants, reaffirming our commitment against any form of division and exclusion in the Church. In essence, these words should serve as a line of reflection, judgment, and guidance for us today. Rome, 22 February 2021 Feast of the Cathedra of Saint Peter the Apostle [184] ---

Note: "MSP" appears to be an abbreviation (possibly "Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum"), and "FE" from the previous text might relate to it. The translation preserves the context as provided, with some terms left in their original form where meaning is unclear without additional context.

Below is the English translation of the provided text: --- Comprehensive Judgment 34. The important role of the document is evident, as the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum brought today a truly significant, albeit relatively modest, renewal to the life of the Church. The concept of Pope Benedict XVI, over ten years of widespread support among advocates of the reformed liturgy of 1970 and those of the Missale Romanum in its 1962 version, the MSP has successfully affirmed the equal dignity of the two forms of the same Roman Rite, creating a condition favorable to a true liturgical peace, also in view of an eventual unity of the two forms in the future. 35. The reciprocal enrichment and updating of the Missale Romanum of 1962, auspicated by the aforementioned Pope (cf. letter of 7 July 2007) is something that can be achieved only with the application of the same Motu Proprio. Universae Ecclesiae del 30 April 2011, and due to the decree confirmed by Pope Francis on 15 December 2019, which unanimously favored the Fathers members of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (decree Quo magis, regarding the addition of seven new prefaces, and decree Cum Sanctissima, regarding the insertion of new Saints). 36. The diffusion of the ancient Roman Rite following the MSP is attested to within 20% of the Latin dioceses worldwide, and its application today is certainly more serene and pacifying, even if not everywhere; there are cases of residual discord not resolved. Furthermore, in some dioceses, this state is considered a FE that comes with a certain inappropriate, disturbing, albeit minor per la vita pastorale ordinaria e anche "pericoloso" if not addressed, or at least controlled strictly so that it does not spread, given the possibility of eventual division or abolition. 37. The majority of bishops involved in the questionnaire, who have generously and intelligently applied the MSP, declare at the end of their responses that, in particular, those who have also had the opportunity to form a personal parish, where all sacraments are administered according to the FE and where a stable community celebrates with devotion and pastoral care, have closely collaborated with the bishop in this situation which has been entirely pacifying. 38. Constantly, some bishops note, and this is especially true among young priests, a certain desire to know this ancient Liturgy. The major part of stable groups present nell’orbe cattolico who compose it with devotion and fervor have shown, over time, a certain solemnity of the Liturgy. This has been noted, also a cause of a society excessively noisy and talkative, the recourse to silence in sacred action, the role of liturgical chant, the dignity of celebration: all of which attract non poco. Pope Benedict XVI wrote in the letter to bishops accompanying the MSP, this quest succitata categoria di persone sono i destinatari privilegiati del Suo provvidenmento legislativo, oltre, chiaramente, tutti coloro che da decenni chiedevano la liberalizzazione e la legittimazione nella prassi liturgico-pastorale della venerabile Liturgia latino-gregoriana. [181] --- Note: "MSP" likely refers to Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum, and "FE" may relate to "Forma Extraordinaria" (Extraordinary Form). The translation preserves the context as provided, with some terms left in their original form where meaning is unclear without additional context.

The text in the image is in Italian and translates to: --- CONGREGATIO PRO DOCTRINA FIDEI Prot. N. 03/2020-ED CONSULTATION OF BISHOPS CONCERNING THE APPLICATION OF THE MOTU PROPRIO SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM APRIL 2020 REPORT FEBRUARY 2021 --- This appears to be the cover page of a report prepared by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith regarding the consultation of bishops on the application of the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum, dated April 2020, with the report finalized in February 2021.

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Below is a summary of each document based on the translated content, followed by an analysis regarding whether they suggest Pope Francis lied or misled the Church with Traditionis Custodes. Summary of Each Document 1. Florilegio (First Document) - Content: This document compiles responses from various dioceses regarding the attitudes of certain faithful toward the Extraordinary Form (FE) of the Mass. It highlights mixed opinions: some see it as a source of pride or protest, others note risks of division or ideological misuse. Positive aspects include pastoral care and fidelity, while negative aspects include potential superiority or conflict among faithful. - Purpose: To gather and present diverse perspectives on the implementation and impact of the FE, reflecting both support and concerns. 2. Giudizio compensivo (Second Document) - Content: This provides a comprehensive judgment on the *Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum* (MSP). It notes the MSP’s role in affirming the equal dignity of the 1962 and 1970 Missals, fostering liturgical peace, and addressing challenges like schism or discord. It includes bishops’ views on its application, with some favoring its continuation and others cautioning against potential divisions. - Purpose: To evaluate the MSP’s effects over a decade, suggesting a balanced approach to its use while acknowledging both benefits and risks. 3. Relazione (Third Document) - Content: This is a report from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) summarizing a 2020 consultation of bishops on the application of *Summorum Pontificum*. It reflects on the document’s impact, noting a 20% adoption rate among Latin dioceses, serene application in some areas, and ongoing tensions or divisions in others. It emphasizes the need for pastoral oversight. - Purpose: To assess the practical implementation of MSP and provide a basis for future decisions based on bishops’ feedback. Analysis: Did Pope Francis Lie or Mislead with Traditionis Custodes? Traditionis Custodes, issued by Pope Francis on July 16, 2021, restricts the use of the Extraordinary Form (1962 Missal) established by Summorum Pontificum (2007), citing concerns about disunity, rejection of Vatican II, and the need to preserve liturgical unity. It requires bishops’ approval for its use and emphasizes the 1970 Missal as the sole expression of the Roman Rite. - Evidence from Documents: - The Florilegio and Giudizio compensivo acknowledge both positive (e.g., pastoral care, liturgical richness) and negative aspects (e.g., division, ideological misuse) of the FE, aligning with concerns later expressed in Traditionis Custodes. The Relazione specifically notes a 20% adoption rate and residual discord, suggesting that the issues of disunity and uneven application were recognized by 2020. - These documents do not universally oppose the FE but highlight challenges that could justify regulatory adjustments, consistent with the CDF’s consultation process leading to Traditionis Custodes. - Assessment of Misleading or Lying: - There is no direct evidence in these documents that Pope Francis lied. The concerns about division and ideological misuse cited in *Traditionis Custodes* are reflected in the bishops’ responses (e.g., Archdiocese of San Francisco noting conflict, Diocese of Savannah mentioning perceived motivations). The *Relazione*’s timing (February 2021) indicates the CDF was aware of these issues before the motu proprio’s issuance, suggesting a deliberate response to documented feedback rather than fabrication. - However, some might argue he misled the Church if they believe he overstated the extent of the problem or ignored the positive aspects (e.g., young priests’ interest, as noted in the Relazione). The documents show a mixed picture, with many bishops supporting the FE’s pacifying effects, which Traditionis Custodes does not fully emphasize. This could be seen as selective framing rather than outright deception. - Conclusion: The documents do not prove Pope Francis lied or misled the Church. They support the existence of the issues he addressed, though his decision to restrict the FE contrasts with the balanced tone of the earlier reports. Any perception of misleading likely stems from differing interpretations of the data rather than intentional falsehood, as the CDF’s consultation process appears to have informed his action. This analysis is based on the provided texts and does not extend beyond their content or the context of Traditionis Custodes as issued.