Pope Leo XIV Talks About the Traditional Latin Mass (updated with full excerpt)

 

From an excerpt of the new book-interview with Elise Ann Allen, of Crux, released today -- a direct quote from the Pope's response:

[Elise Ann Allen]: Regarding the study group on liturgy, what is being studied? How much of the reason for establishing this was related to divisions surrounding the Traditional Latin Mass, for example, or issues such as the new Amazonian rite?

 

[Leo XIV]: My understanding of what the group came out of is primarily from issues that have to do with the inculturation of the liturgy. How to continue the process of making the liturgy more meaningful within a different culture, within a specific culture, in a specific place at any given time. I think that was the primary issue.

Cardinal Gambetti, Administrator of Saint Peter’s, on the Latin Mass: “I have been told that we will wait for the Holy Father to decide.”

 

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti has been the main administrator of the Vatican Basilica since 2021, after being named by Francis for the triple position of Archpriest for Saint Peter's Basilica, Vicar General for the Vatican City State, and President of the Fabric of Saint Peter.

A Wonderful Event: the Impression of the Holy Stigmata on Saint Francis

Giotto, Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata
Musée du Louvre (1295)

On September 17, we celebrate the memory of the awesome impression of the Holy Stigmata of Our Lord Jesus Christ on Saint Francis on the Tuscan hill known as Mount Alvernia (La Verna), in 1224.

Brother Ugolino tells the story in detail in his Fioretti (Little Flowers), and we encourage reading it for the feel of the place, the times, the people -- and how it is all connected with the feasts and flows of the Traditional Liturgical Year and the Breviary, including the period that goes from the Feast of the Holy Cross to the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel:

As the Feast of the Holy Cross then drew nigh, in the month of September, Brother Leo went one night at his accustomed hour to say Matins with St Francis.

The Death of Europe | Will Leo XIV visit Lampedusa? A Grave Mistake -- and the Lampedusans themselves would not be happy

 Very few things made European Catholics more unhappy with Francis than his tone-deaf approach to the criminal enterprise bringing millions of illegal migrants to Europe, and deeply changing the demographics, religion, and criminality of vast areas of the Continent.

And the main early symbol of that attitude was Francis' visit to one of the most popular destinations used by the people-smuggling gangs: the small island of Lampedusa, in Sicily. Lampedusa was, for instance, the first spot in Europe visited by the terrorist responsible for the Nice attacks (our post regarding it here). As we said at the time:

Idiocracy in the Hierarchy

 

"Dei" is the genitive for God (Deus) in Latin. That is, "of God."

It is also, coincidentally, the English abbreviation for the movement/ideology known as "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" (DEI), an affront to both God and the equality before the law that is the basis of modern Western Law. It is a complete corruption of all that is good and noble in both Christianity and the Law, and it should be abhorred by all good Catholics. And, of course, it is simply pronounced D, E, I -- not "day-ee" (as Dei is, in Latin).

Anyway, this mere coincidence of letters was enough to prompt what must be one of the most astonishing texts ever published on the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), by one Bishop Roy Campbell, Auxiliary of the Nation's capital, Washington.

Main excerpt below:

The Murder of Charlie Kirk: The End of an Illusion

 

Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika, raises a rosary to wellwishers

Main excerpts from the latest piece from the Harvard Salient:

[Kirk] could also be unexpectedly, almost annoyingly, moderate: a man who prized argument over obliteration, outreach over insularity, whose modus operandi was to cross campus thresholds and address anyone curious enough to ask a question. He exhorted a generation, plainly and insistently, to love God, love their family, and love their country. That was enough to get him killed.

Leo XIV names Cristiana Perrella new head of the Pontifical Academy of Fine Arts: "A Choice that Borders on the Scandalous"

Perrella, an ambiguous appointment bordering on scandal

Tommaso Scandroglio

La Nuova Bussola Quotidiana

September 11, 2025

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Cristiana Perrella as the new president of the Pontifical Academy of Fine Arts. This appointment raises some critical issues, as demonstrated by some of her past work in the LGBT field. Are rainbow lobbies forcing the Pope's hand? At what price must the truth be silenced for the sake of unity? 

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Cristiana Perrella as the new president of the Pontifical Academy of Fine Arts. This appointment raises some critical issues. In 2019, Perella curated the exhibition Night Fever: Designing Club Culture 1960–Today, which, among other things, supported LGBT claims, particularly those of the queer community. In an interview with Sleek, Perrella explained that clubs “were places where people could be themselves and publicly affirm their identity,” including the so-called queer identity.

St. Birinus Festival 2025 - Thursday 16 October to Sunday 19 October, 2025

Once again this year we will hold a full weekend of sung liturgy in the ancient Roman Rite, in the beautiful medieval Dorchester Abbey in Oxfordshire.

Video: Duc in Altum, the Monks go out Fishing for their Supply

The Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer of Papa Stronsay Island in Scotland (the "Transalpine Redemptorists") have just made available a beautiful video of their fishing season for the year.

"The last few weeks have seen us put out into the open sea around Papa Stronsay for our winter supply of fish. We thought to share this beautiful video which our Rector, Fr Martin Mary, has so painstakingly put together and narrated of such a day-in-our lives." 

Watch and enjoy the video below:

The Architect of the Restrictions to the Latin Mass really - REALLY - hates the newly canonized Carlo Acutis

Andrea Grillo is such a detestable character. But, unfortunately, we are forced to return often to covering him because of the outsized influence he was given by the late Francis. As Rorate mentioned in the earlier words about this matter,

The detestable Italian professor was introduced by some malevolent Vatican spirit to Francis and created the document that would later be signed by the late pope as "Traditionis custodes", whose aim is explicitly to destroy the Traditional Latin Mass in the long term.

Last month, we covered the first consequences of his tirades against the (now newly canonized) Carlo Acutis, when his own university disowned him. 

There are criticisms to be made of the Acutis canonization, but mostly regarding (as often in recent decades) an accelerated procedure, not the person himself. By all accounts, Acutis was really a fine boy who, despite growing up in a secularized, barely nominally Catholic, family, was saved by a supernatural love for the Blessed Sacrament.

Roberto de Mattei - The Fr. Pompei Affair: Another Painful Episode of the Consequences of Boisterous Proclamations

Rorate note: Traditionalism did not start in 2025, or even during the Francis years. It is necessary to be truthful, but also prudent. Wise as serpents, gentle as doves, in the words of Our Lord and God Jesus Christ (Mt 10:16).

***

A new painful episode: Father Pompei's choice

Roberto de Mattei

Corrispondenza Romana

September 10, 2025

After the “cases” of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, Father Alessandro Minutella, and Father Giorgio Faré, now comes, in Italy, the no less serious and painful case of Father Leonardo Pompei, a priest who had been appreciated until now for his orthodoxy and moral conduct.

Leo XIV: the Mine-Clearing Pope

 by Vaticanist Luis Badilla (former editor of Il Sismografo)

published by Messa in Latino

By now, Pope Leo XIV's style of government seems quite clear. Above all, it seems clear that this style is his method. Nothing revolutionary. Every pontiff has had his own style, his own method, and this has been the basis on which their pontificates have been characterized. Francis's method, in the perception of public opinion, immediately distanced him from the papacy of Benedict XVI, and now the difference that is gradually taking shape, without conflict or emphasized contrasts, between the Argentine pontiff and the American one is clear.

More Bishop-Imposed Illegal Liturgical Abuse: Bergoglio-Protégé Argentine Archbishop Decrees First Communion must be received Standing and in the Hand (full text of decree)

The Argentine archdiocese of San Juan de Cuyo has sent a protocol to parish priests, parish vicars, Catholic school administrators, and catechists in which, in view of First Communions and Confirmations, it decrees that “catechumens (of any age) will receive Holy Communion only standing and in the hand.”

Report from Spanish website InfoCatólica:

Lumen Christi: Defending the Use of the Pre-1955 Roman Rite

The time has come for a serious conversation about the pre-1955 Roman Rite. Not as something eccentric, marginal, quixotic, but as the normative baseline for the sane “reset” of liturgical praxis so necessary after a century of wild experimentation.

Confirmation of Anti-Liturgical actions of the bishop of Charlotte, North Carolina

On Thursday, we reported on the new liturgical directives which Bishop Michael Martin of Charlotte has imposed for the Masses celebrated in the Catholic high schools of his diocese. These directives are very much in keeping with the absurd “liturgical norms” which he proposed in order to radically de-catholicize the Mass in his entire diocese, as we reported in May. For obvious reasons, we are not able to disclose our sources, and because of that, some people questioned the veracity or authenticity of the report. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, it has now been confirmed in every detail in an official announcement made by the chaplain of one of the schools. 

(Click for larger view below)

Important Sign: Summorum Pontificum Pilgrimage Once Again Will Have a Mass in the Vatican Basilica -- Celebrated by Card. Burke

(Mass in the Altar of the Cathedra, in St. Peter's Basilica, in 2021)

 In 2024, the Traditional pilgrims of the Summorum Pontificum Pilgrimage (Last Sunday in October - Christ the King) were not allowed to celebrate the Traditional Mass on an altar of the main nave on Saturday of the last weekend in October: they just entered as pilgrims, with scheduled prayers, but the main masses were all in Churches that already have the Traditional Latin Mass regularly in Rome. The same had happened in 2022 and 2023.

Leo XIV: Member of New Polish President's Entourage Presented the Problem of Traditionis Custodes in Meeting with Roman Curia

 

The new Polish president, the conservative and devout Catholic historian Karol Nawrocki, visited the Vatican for the first time as President this week.

With him was one his advisors, also a historian, National Security Advisor Dr. Sławomir Cenckiewicz, who pleaded with the Curia  regarding "Traditionis custodes":

I paid filial homage to the Vicar of Christ.

The Pontificate of Leo XIV, a Transitional Stage? - by Fr. Claude Barthe

“Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and thou, being once converted, confirm thy brethren.” (Lk 22:31-32).

We have stated, on a previous occasion, that the Bergoglian pontificate, with all its inflatedness, could well constitute, if not the terminal phase of the post-Vatican II era, at least the approach of its end. Provided, of course, that there are Churchmen with the determination necessary for making a clean break. Failing that, and in the meantime, we can hope for the adoption of a kind of realistically transitional stage, by virtue of which whatever remains of vital forces within the Church would be allowed to thrive. Ultimately, however, there must needs be a return to the magisterial order to which the Church of Christ aspires, and for which its pastors must prepare.

Cardinal Cupich, an Expert on "Dead Faith"

 Who would you want writing about "Dead Faith" more than an expert on dead faith, dying parishes, and general societal decay?

That is why we know we can fully trust the Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Cupich (once referred to by a friend as 'Ugly on the outside, uglier on the inside'), to speak about the "dead faith" of Traditionalism. It's hilarious that he starts his piece by quoting Pelikan, a known revert to devout Eastern Orthodoxy, who would have no good words for the destruction of the ancient rites of the Church. Latin Traditionalism, whatever one wishes to call it, was always quite alive and vibrant in its prayers and arts and music and practices because it was never separate from Western culture (so in a sense quite different from the Byzantine options).

It is also hilarious that Blase "Dead Faith" Cupich would quote Newman of all people, whose faith was nourished by the Traditional Latin Mass and Divine Office more than by any other thing.

Let these be Cupich's parting words.

Tradition vs. traditionalism

News from Charlotte: Bishop Comes for the Catholic Schools' Masses

We have received a report of the new liturgical directives which Bishop Michael Martin of Charlotte wishes to impose on the masses of Paul VI celebrated in the three Catholic high schools under his jurisdiction. The goal is apparently the decatholicization of the new liturgy in the schools under his authority.

Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, they are exactly what we would expect, given what we have previously seen of his ideas about “liturgical norms.”

Appreciation of Pope St. Pius X by Marcel de Corte in 1964 — “The threat posed to man by the modern world is aimed above all at the priest”

Very Topical Considerations on the Life, Character and Thought of Saint Pius X

 

Marcel De Corte

Itinéraires, No. 87 | November 1964 

 

I HAVE JUST READ a few biographies of Saint Pius X. The marvellous ascent! From the humble seed of vocation planted by the Spirit in the soul of this little peasant to his constant concern for the priests entrusted to his care as bishop and pope, his whole life was organized around the defense and illustration of the sacred, indelible character of the priesthood, without which the called could never continue the work of redemption. More than any other successor of Peter, Saint Pius X saw, felt and understood that the threat posed to man by the modern world is aimed above all at the priest.

To Hand on What Has Been Received? The Mission and Challenges of the SSPX in Our Times

A guest article by Charles Bradshaw.

The SSPX’s recent pilgrimage to Rome has been the cause of some media attention not least because of mounting expectations regarding future Episcopal Consecrations. The inevitable skeletons have come out of the cupboard again alongside those who claim to have insight into just about everything Archbishop Lefebvre did or didn’t do. However, whilst the future consecrations remain a vitally important and pressing issue, what has been overlooked is how the Society of St Pius X is meeting its own future and how she is handing down her “management” to a new generation.

The Past of Leo XIV - Mere Catholicity: the Prosper Grech-Prevost-Müller Connection

by Serre Verweij

for Rorate Cæli

The year 2012 seems to be a century ago. It was not the year the world ended, instead it was the last year where Pope Benedict XVI led the Catholic Church. He was no Pope Pius XIII, no traditionalist. But he was clear on ethical matters, opposed the radical modernists, tried to respect traditionalists, was supportive of more pro-traditional cardinals, tried to makes the Novus Ordo more reverent. 

Dom Guéranger’s "Liturgical Institutions" Published for the First Time in English

The ongoing devastation inflicted upon the sacred liturgy is by no means unique to our time. Since the earliest days of the Church, the liturgy has suffered from the attacks of heresy, schism, and human caprice. Through the ages—whether from the blasphemous Vigilantius, the radical Waldensians of the Middle Ages, the Protestant reformers of the sixteenth century, or the rationalist infiltrators of the Enlightenment—there has always been a persistent, corrosive impulse to undermine, distort, or dilute the sacred rites entrusted to the Church.

In the nineteenth century, Dom Prosper Guéranger (1805–1875), the abbot of Solesmes and founding father of the modern liturgical movement, stood resolutely against a virulent strain of this anti-liturgical spirit.

NEWMAN AS DOCTOR - by Fr. Richard Cipolla

When the blogmaster (I suppose there is such a word) of Rorate Caeli, who is a personal friend of some years now, wrote to me recently to ask, with some astonishment on his part, why I had not written an article for publication immediately after the announcement by Pope Leo XIV that St. John Henry Newman was declared a Doctor of the Church, I replied that despite my love for Newman, I could not respond at once, for I needed time to think about not merely the declaration itself but also what this means for the Church today, as she (not it) seems to be emerging, Deo gratias, from the dark years after the Second Vatican Council that were marked by iconoclasm, denial of the Catholic Tradition and worst of all--sentimentality, the acid of religion.

"The Holy Father Received This Morning in Audience... Fr. James Martin, SJ"

 From today's Bollettino:

Il Santo Padre ha ricevuto questa mattina in Udienza:

The Lie Contained in Article 1 of "Traditionis Custodes"

(source)

Lex Orandi and Ecclesial Rupture: A Brief Theological and Canonical Critique of Article 1 of Traditionis Custodes

The first one hundred days of Leo XIV - by Roberto de Mattei

 

Roberto de Mattei

Corrispondenza Romana/Voice of the Family

August 28, 2025

On 17 August, Leo XIV moved back to the Vatican after his summer break at Castel Gandolfo. This date also marked the first 100 days of his pontificate, which began on 8 May 2025.

Is this period, during which the Pope has not made any decisive appointments, international trips or major speeches, sufficient to predict the future course of his pontificate? Absolutely not. The Church’s time frames are not those of politics, and three months is insufficient for a serious analysis of the future.

Minneapolis: The Pain is Too Much

 

May the new martyrs, boy and girl, Fletcher Merkel (8) and Harper Moyski (10), killed in hatred of the faith yesterday in Minneapolis’ Annunciation Church, pray for the Church in America persecuted by perverted terrorism.

J’accuse - A Professor at the Detroit Seminary Destroys Archbishop’s Unjust Actions Against Faithful Faculty

 The letter is astonishing: point by point, in three relentless pages, it dismantles the unjust actions of the Archbishop of Detroit against seminary professors whose only fault was being Catholic.

Images below:

Pope to French Politicians: "Christianity cannot be reduced to mere private devotion."

Address to a Delegation of Elected officials and Civil authorities of the Val-du-Marne, France

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you!

I am sure many of you speak English, right? I am going to attempt to speak French counting on your good will!

I cordially greet His Excellency Monsignor Dominique Blanchet, and I welcome all of you, elected officials and civil leaders of the Diocese of Créteil, on pilgrimage to Rome.

Full-Length Documentary on Latin Mass Restrictions in Charlotte, North Carolina

 For the background, see our two previous posts:

(1) Traditionis Custodes Persecution continues under Leo XIV - Traditional Masses Removed from Parish Churches in the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina

(2) Rorate Exclusive: The Anti-Traditional and Anti-Liturgical Pastoral Letter to be Sent by the Bishop of Charlotte on Liturgical Norms in His Diocese

***

Regina Magazine just released a lengthy documentary on the situation of the Latin Mass in the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina. We encourage you to watch it below and make it known:

The SSPX Responds to Cardinal Arborelius

  

Open Letter to Cardinal Arborelius in Response to the Statements of 15 August 2025

Your Eminence,

Pope Leo XIV to Altar Servers: "Mass is a serious, solemn moment. May the beauty of the liturgy, the order and majesty of the gestures draw the faithful."

Address to the national pilgrimage of altar servers of France 

(August 25, 2025)

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you!

Dear Altar Servers, who have come from all over France, good morning!

I welcome you to Rome, and I am very happy to meet you, along with all those who have accompanied you: lay people, priests, and bishops, whom I warmly greet.

Pope Leo XIV to Catholic Lawmakers: "You are called to be bridge-builders between the City of God and the City of Man."

We begin with the same sign with which the Lord has given us life in Baptism: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you.

Good morning to all of you. Welcome to Rome and to the Vatican, and thank you for your patience.

 

Your Eminences, Your Excellency,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am pleased to greet you, members of the International Catholic Legislators Network. And I thank you for your visit, here to the Vatican and to Rome, during this Jubilee year, the Jubilee of Hope.

SSPX Episcopal Consecrations? Learning from the Past

A guest article by Joseph Bevan.

With the current speculation about whether, and when, the SSPX will consecrate new bishops, we can all agree on one thing: that they are needed.

Bishop Schneider: « Mass Immigration: a plan to Islamize Europe »

 

LA NUOVA BUSSOLA QUOTIDIANA

23 August 2025

 

 

Lorenza Formicola interviews Monsignor Athanasius Schneider.

“Mass of ALL Ages”? Shiny New Lecture Series Rehashes 1970s

by Kevin Tierney

for Rorate Cæli

Whenever a person writes, he always has to ask himself one question: Who is my audience? No matter his disposition or ideas, a writer writes to a certain group with their ideas (written and unwritten) and culture, which can often be very complex.

Fake interview book with the Pope causes a stir in Italy. Why is it important?

Fake interview with the Pope causes a stir in Italy. Why is it so important?

by Gaetano Masciullo

The Dehonian Editions of Bologna, Italy, recently published a book that was immediately met with criticism and scandal, particularly within the Vatican Curia. Jesuit Antonio Spadaro, Undersecretary at the Dicastery for Culture and Education, is the author of the book Da Francesco a Leone (“From Francis to Leo”). As the title clearly suggests, the aim of the book is to demonstrate complete continuity in governance between Bergoglio and Prevost.

The SSPX Visits Rome - What Now on Consecrations?

The FSSPX officially visits Rome. Bishop consecrations?

 by Marcelo González, on X

On August 22, the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Priestly Fraternity of St. Pius X will visit Rome on the occasion of the Holy Year. Priests, religious, and faithful from around the world will participate, so a large turnout is expected. This is not the first time that pilgrimages have been made, but it is the first time that the visit has been included, albeit partially, in the official calendar of the Holy See. Partially because it is mentioned only in the Italian-language calendar and not in the other six languages in which it is published.

Society of Saint Pius X Jubilee Pilgrimage Images

The Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) is gathering faithful from around the world in their 2025 Jubilee Rome pilgrimage this week. Here are some images and video:

Pope Requests Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace on August 22nd

 

The Octave Day of the Assumption, Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Queenship of Mary in the mass of Paul VI), this Friday, has been chosen by Pope Leo XIV as a special day of fasting and prayer for peace in the world.

As announced by him at the end of the General Audience today:

Pope John Paul II also allowed the FSSPX to participate officially in the Jubilee Year of 2000.

 

JUBILEE YEAR 2000, ROME: PROCESSION OF THE PRIESTLY SOCIETY OF ST. PIUS X

FROM THE COMMENT SECTION ON ‘CHIESA E POST CONCILIO’ BLOG – 17-8-2025

LEO AND THE RADICALS - Part III in the Series "The First Year of Leo XIV"

This is the third of several analyses written for Rorate by our contributor Serre Verweij on Leo XIV's first year.

Series: The First Year of Leo XIV

III - Leo and the Radical Modernists

[Part I - Leo and the Germans.]

[Part II - Leo and Synodality.]

There were some rumours during the conclave that Prevost could be a candidate more radical than Parolin. So far, Pope Leo has acted completely the opposite. While extremists on both sides try to frame him as one who will consolidate ‘the revolution begun by Francis’ chances of this are decreasing by the day.

100 Days of Leo XIV

One hundred days as Pope

That is how long it has been since the beginning of Prevost's pontificate, which began under the banner of spirituality, verticality, normalization, and reconciliation. To the relief of some and the disappointment of others (which is also a good sign).

Stefano Chiappalone

Nuova Bussola Quotidiana

August 16, 2025

Prayers in Honor of Saint Thomas Aquinas, gathered in one book for the first time

We’ve hit some huge Thomistic anniversaries in recent years:

• in 2023, the 700th of Aquinas’s canonization;

• in 2024, the 750th of his death;

• and in 2025, the 800th of his birth.

Eucharistic Procession down Bayou Teche, Louisiana (Images)

Text from St. Landry Now, with images also sent my a reader - the procession visited eight churches along the Bayou, in St. Landry Parish, deep in Acadian territory in Louisiana (Acadiana): 

Against “Liturgical Piety”

 

By James Baresel

A variety of scholars, thinkers and writers all along the spectrum opinion from the staunchest supporters of the Tridentine Mass to advocates of reforming the reform to those favoring preservation of the status quo to proponents of more radical changes frequently argue the same one point—that whatever they oppose is somehow “not liturgical.”

Praying for Peace on the Feast of the Assumption - Roberto de Mattei

Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church National Historic Landmark
Kenai, Alaska, 1894

On August 15, 2025, the Feast of the Assumption, a historic summit will take place in Alaska between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Rome: The Virgin of Revelation at Tre Fontane: The Dogma of the Assumption

 

Just as The Dogma of the Immaculate Conception, proclaimed in 1854 by Pius IX, is connected to the Apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes in 1858, when She identified Herself to Bernadette by saying “I am the Immaculate Conception”, so another apparition is also connected to the proclamation of the Dogma of the Assumption.

LEO AND SYNODALITY (A Silent Implosion?) - Part II in the Series "The First Year of Leo XIV"

This is the second of several analyses written for Rorate by our contributor Serre Verweij on Leo XIV's first year.

Series: The First Year of Leo XIV

II  - LEO AND SYNODALITY

[Part I: Leo and the Germans]

As Pope Leo XIV is approaching the 100 day mark of his pontificate (today is day 97), more and more decisions are coming out which appear indicative of the course of his papacy. Our new Pope is starting to address difficult dilemmas described in Leo XIV: The First 50 Days -- an Analysis.

In this article we outlined many of the challenges Pope Leo faces, quite a few of which are directly related to Francis’ multiyear synodal project plus other reforms and local projects connected to it. Whether to cancel the ecclesial assembly set for 2028 and the process leading up to it, how to deal with local synods in Italy and Ireland, whether to ensure an adequately orthodox African response to the problem of polygamy, and so on.

So far, Pope Leo appears to have alternated between either ensuring a return to orthodoxy behind the scenes, or punting on liberal reforms, not killing them, but leaving their conclusion uncertain. Key curial appointments by Pope Leo will give a more definitive indication of what shape his pontificate will take. Positive patterns do already seem to be slowly emerging, however. 

The ecclesial assembly and the implementation of synodality

The Beauty of the Americas in one Pontifical Mass

 The Vatican was paying attention as Cardinal Burke pronounced the sermon in the Pontifical Mass celebrated by Archbishop Cordileone, of San Francisco,  on August 5th in the shrine so carefully cherished by him, the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

“The beauty and solemnity of our worship is especially enhanced by the presence of the Most Reverent Salvatore J. Cordileone, archbishop of San Franciso who is offering the holy sacrifice of the Mass, and by the singing of the Mass of the Americas, the first composition commissioned by the Benedict XVI Institute for Sacred Music and Divine Worship.

Bishop Peter Elliott, Friend of Tradition - Rest in Peace

Most Reverend Peter John Elliott
Born 1st October 1943 (Melbourne)
Ordained Priest 19th February 1973
Consecrated Bishop 15th June 2007
Titular Bishop of Manaccenser & 
Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Melbourne (retired 3rd November 2018)
Died 6th August 2025 (Melbourne)  

Throughout the world, Catholics (and not a few non-Catholics) are mourning the loss of Bishop Peter J Elliott, retired Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, Australia, who died on Wednesday, 6th August. 

Gabon and Prague, Africa and Europe Brought Together by the Traditional Latin Mass -- by Rev. Stanislav Přibyl

Gabon in Prague

On Sunday, June 22, 2025, the Second Sunday after Pentecost, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Gabon, Major General of the National Gendarmerie, Ms. Brigitte Onkanowa, attended Holy Mass in the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Charlemagne the Emperor in Prague, commonly known to Praguers as Karlov. Since 2016, the church has been a diocesan rectory for celebrations in the traditional Roman rite. The minister was in our Republic on a business trip and expressly wanted to attend the traditional Latin “Tridentine” Mass on Sunday. It was clear that this was her personal preference, as the Catholic Church in her country attracts the faithful mainly because of its widespread celebration of traditional Masses. It turns out that Africans do not necessarily need liturgical dances to affirm their cultural identity, which are almost imposed on them by Europeans as something supposedly authentic that they should exhibit for us.

Newman on Capital Punishment: Consistency is Key in Catholic Doctrine - by Edward Feser

It was announced last week that Pope Leo XIV will be declaring St. John Henry Newman to be a Doctor of the Church.  As the Catholic Encyclopedia notes, the Church proclaims someone to be a Doctor on account of “eminent learning” and “a high degree of sanctity.”  This combination makes a Doctor an exemplary guide to matters of faith and morals.  To be sure, the Doctors are not infallible.  Their authority is not as great as that of scripture, the consensus of the Church Fathers, or the definitive statements of the Church’s magisterium.  All the same, their authority is considerable.  As Aquinas notes, appeal to the authority of the Doctors of the Church is “one that may properly be used” in addressing doctrinal questions, even if such an appeal by itself yields “probable” conclusions rather than incontrovertible ones (Summa Theologiae I.1.8).

The “Messa in Latino” Blog Case and Religious Freedom for Catholics around the World - by Roberto de Mattei

Roberto de Mattei

Corrispondenza Romana

August 6, 2025

The recent case of the “Messa in Latino” blog gives us an opportunity to reflect on the religious freedom of Catholics in the world today. Since 2007, Messainlatino.it (MiL) has been one of the most popular and widely read Catholic blogs in the world. On July 11, 2025, with a simple unsigned email and without any warning, the blog was removed from Google's Blogger platform for alleged violation of the “hate speech policy.” MessainLatino defended itself tooth and nail against this abuse, raising awareness in the press, promoting two parliamentary questions in Rome and Strasbourg, and filing an urgent appeal with the Court of Imperia on July 17. At the end of the standoff, on July 23, the blog was restored by Google. MessainLatino thus won the battle, probably emerging stronger than before.

Transfiguration: “Seek Endurance Before Glory”

 

The Lord taketh chosen witnesses, and in their presence, revealeth His glory. That form of body which He had in common with other men, He so transfigured with light, that His Face did shine as the sun, and His raiment became exceeding white as snow. Of this metamorphosis the chief work was to remove from the hearts of the disciples the stumbling at the Cross. Before their eyes was unveiled the splendour of His hidden majesty, that the lowliness of His freely-chosen suffering might not confound their faith. But none the less was there here laid by the Providence of God a solid foundation for the hope of the Holy Church, whereby the whole body of Christ should know with what a change it is yet to be honoured. The members of that body whose Head hath already been transfigured in light may promise themselves a share in His glory.

Leo and the Germans

 This is the first of several analyses written for Rorate by our contributor Serre Verweij on Leo XIV's first year.

Series: The First Year of Leo XIV

I  - LEO AND THE GERMANS

by Serre Verweij

for Rorate Caeli

August 1, 2025

While we are waiting for Pope Leo XIV to tip his hand and release his first encyclical, and make his first curial appointments, both sides in the struggle between tradition and modernism keep trying to claim him. The attempts by progressives to claim the Pope as their secret candidate (after the fact) are looking increasingly desperate, however. Specifically, attempts by the German bishops stand out as highly dubious.

McCrery, Architects of Catholic Beauty, chosen to renovate the White House

McCrery Architects, New Carmel, Wyoming

Those familiar with the architectural work of James McCrery know he is among the greats of the 20th and 21st centuries. 

Saint John Henry Newman, Doctor of the Church - Proclamation by Pope Leo XIV -- "For fifty years, I have resisted Liberalism in religion. Never did Holy Church need champions against it more sorely than now!"

His Predecessor of the same name, Leo XIII, created John Henry Newman Cardinal. Today, Leo XIV proclaimed him Doctor of the Church.

From the Bollettino (in Italian).

On July 31, 2025, the Holy Father Leo XIV received in audience His Most Reverend Eminence Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

During the same audience, the Holy Father confirmed the affirmative opinion of the Plenary Session of Cardinals and Bishops, Members of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, regarding the title of Doctor of the Universal Church, which will soon be conferred on Saint John Henry Newman, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, Founder of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri in England; born in London (United Kingdom) on February 21, 1801, and died in Edgbaston (United Kingdom) on August 11, 1890.

Cardinal Newman's lifelong struggle was against liberalism in religion. He made that very clear in his famous Biglietto speech, upon the acceptance of the cardinalatial title: