Sourced online by Tracy Cabrera
MANILA, Philippines — In his weekly general audience at Saint Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV reflected on liturgical reform, calling for progress rooted in respect for Church tradition.
The American pontiff made the appeal amid renewed tensions between the Vatican and traditionalist Catholics over the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. Leo defended Church reform as a legitimate process that adapts to current needs while remaining anchored in authentic tradition.
“Authentic renewal of the liturgy is acceptable and encouraged when the Church first engages in careful theological and pastoral study, and then ensures that any new forms adopted grow organically from existing forms,” he said.
“In a particular way, I encourage everyone to respect the texts and norms of the liturgy with openness, humility, trust in God’s greatness, and sincere fidelity to ecclesial communion,” he told the audience.
The 70-year-old pope’s remarks came weeks after the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X announced plans to move forward with ordaining new bishops without papal approval, despite warnings from the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith that such an act would be schismatic and carry automatic excommunication for those involved in performing and receiving the consecrations.
The Society, founded by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in 1970, has long opposed several teachings and reforms associated with Vatican II, particularly on the liturgy, ecumenism, and religious liberty.
However, in a May 13 statement, the Dicastery warned that “this action will constitute a schismatic act” and that “formal adherence to the schism constitutes a grave offense against God and entails the excommunication established by Church law.”
In February, SSPX Superior General Fr. Davide Pagliarani, who resides at the society’s headquarters in Switzerland, met with Dicastery Prefect Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández. The society later reaffirmed its intention to proceed with the consecrations.
Reacting to this, Pope Leo said he is praying for “a liturgical renewal faithful to authentic tradition,” adding that it may help strengthen ecclesial communion and full participation of the faithful.
He repeatedly framed liturgical reform as part of the Church’s living tradition rather than a break from the past, saying the Church “grows, matures, and develops while safeguarding the integrity of doctrine.”
He also reiterated the Council’s call to preserve “sound tradition” while remaining open to “legitimate progress.”
The pope said changes in the liturgy have taken place throughout the Church’s history to help the faithful participate more fully in the Paschal mystery and to allow worship to be expressed within different cultures.
“Today, this energy must be renewed in continuity with the authentic and living Catholic tradition, in accordance with a dynamic aimed at introducing believers to the fullness of the truth,” he said.
Citing Pope Benedict XVI, Leo stressed that tradition and progress should not be seen as opposites, recalling Benedict’s image of tradition as “a river” that carries its source while continuing to flow forward.
In concluding his catechesis, the pope referenced the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, emphasizing that any reform within the Church must be approached carefully and with ecclesial authority.
“Reforms should only occur when the good of the Church genuinely and clearly requires them, and after careful theological, historical, and pastoral study,” he said.
“I therefore urge all those called to prepare the celebration of the divine mysteries, particularly priests who exercise the ministry of liturgical presidency, to uphold respect for the texts and regulations of the liturgy. This springs from an inner attitude of openness and trust in God, manifesting humility before His greatness and sincere fidelity to ecclesial communion,” he concluded.
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