by Kevin Tierney
for Rorate Cæli
“Mass of ALL Ages”? Shiny New Lecture Series Rehashes 1970s
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
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| 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
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
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| 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:
A high point of the Middle Ages: the Dictatus Papae of St. Gregory VII - by Roberto de Mattei
A high point of the Middle Ages: the Dictatus Papae of St. Gregory VII
by Roberto de Mattei
Corrispondenza Romana
July 30, 2025
The pontificate of St. Gregory VII (1073-1085), Ildebrando di Soana, constitutes one of the high points of the Christian Middle Ages. The culmination of the Gregorian pontificate is the Dictatus Papae, a collection of twenty-seven sentences defining the prerogatives of the Pope and his relations with temporal authority, proclaiming the superiority of the Pontiff over the Emperor in the religious and moral sphere and claiming for the Papacy the role of the highest and most eminent power on Earth. The work was probably written between 1075 and 1078, at the height of the conflict with the German sovereign Henry IV, not yet Emperor of Germany, who had initiated the so-called Investiture Controversy against the Church.
Diocesan Traditional Latin Mass stops being celebrated in Sweden
Statement from the congregation responsible for the Mass, celebrated since 2007 in Franciskusgården, in the town of Jonsered:
STATEMENT
For several years, the friars of the Delegation of St. John the Baptist of the Third Order Regular have celebrated Holy Mass at the Franciscan Monastery according to the 1962 Roman Missal, which is the Extraordinary Form of the Church's Liturgy. These Holy Masses, which are usually celebrated at 12:00 on Sundays, have been celebrated in addition to the Ordinary Form of Holy Mass at 10:00.
Conclusion of Major New Economic Research Paper: "Vatican II, in 1962-1965, triggered a decline in worldwide Catholic attendance relative to that in other denominations."
From the summary of a major new paper just published by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), in Cambridge, Massachusetts, authored by some of the greatest names in Economic research, including the famous Dr. Barro, of Harvard University, Dr. Dewitte, of the University of Oxford, and Dr. Iannaccone, of Chapman University:
Looking Backward: Long-Term Religious Service Attendance in 66 Countries
Robert J. Barro, Edgard Dewitte & Laurence Iannaccone
Issue Date July 2025
The Detroit Purge
The massive loser annointed by Cupich (and accepted by Francis) to ruin Detroit, Edward Weisenburger, has reached a new phase in his Stalinist conquest of the Archdiocese.
Italian Daily Il Foglio: Where Have All the Bergoglians Gone?
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| Michelangelo Pistoletto and Fr. Spadaro SJ |
BERGOGLIANISM IS OVER
Where have all the Bergoglians gone? Since Pope Francis died, it seems as if they never existed. As if the friends of the enemies of Jesus, the Jesuits, had been suppressed once again, to Pascal's delight...
For the Feast of Saint Anne: Honouring Grandparents and the Elderly in Catholic Tradition -- and the Catholicization of the African Heritage
Honouring Grandparents and the Elderly in Catholic Tradition:
A Christianised Ganda Cultural Reading
by Michael Kakooza
for Rorate Cæli
Introduction
In 2021, Pope Francis instituted the fourth Sunday of July as the annual World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly in the reformed Roman calendar. This year, the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly will fall on 27 July 2025.
In the message he issued for the first World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, the pope stated:
Think about it: what is our vocation today, at our age? To preserve our roots, to pass on the faith to the young and to care for the little ones. Never forget this.
It makes no difference how old you are, whether you still work or not, whether you are alone or have a family, whether you became a grandmother or grandfather at a young age or later, whether you are still independent or need assistance. Because there is no retirement age from the work of proclaiming the Gospel and handing down traditions to your grandchildren. … The future of the world depends on this covenant between young and old. … Keeping memory alive is a true mission for every elderly person: keeping memory alive and sharing it with others.
In the following discussion, I wish to contribute to broadening our appreciation of the concepts of grandparents and the elderly within the context of Catholic Tradition, drawing from the wisdom of my own cultural background as a Ugandan Catholic who is attached to the Traditional Latin liturgical heritage.
Sign Petition to Save the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, in Manhattan
The Village Preservation Society is circulating a petition to have The Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, on East 3rd Street, Manhattan, landmarked and saved -- that is halting Masses this fall. The Archdiocese of New York is being unclear about its future.
From the Petition website, where you are encouraged to sign the petition:
BREAKING: Pope Leo XIV issues exemption to San Angelo Diocese for parish TLM
by Katie Scholl
Posted July 17, 2025
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — In a quiet corner of San Angelo, the past is very much alive. At St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Parish, the ancient rite of the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) — also known as the Extraordinary Form — continues to
11th Edition of the Recreation of the Majestic Procession "Le Grand Sacre d'Angers" in France
For centuries, the most famous Eucharistic procession in France, as grandiose and ornamented as that of Toledo in Spain, was that of Angers. Shawn Tribe had a great article last March on some of the liturgical beauties used in the past, and now saved in museums.
At least two dead in Israeli destruction of Catholic Church in Gaza: Enough - Updated
The Cross still stands, after an Israeli attack causes grave damage on the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza:
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| (Image source: @catholicsat on Twitter) |
At least two of our fellow Catholic sisters in Gaza have been killed, and many are injured, including the Parish Priest. In declarations to Vatican News, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pizzaballa, said the following: “What we know for sure is that a tank, the IDF says by mistake, but we are not sure about this, they hit the Church directly, the Church of the Holy Family, the Latin Church.”
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| (Image source: Vatican News) |
The Cardinal is right: it seems hardly possible that a tank, viewing what was clearly a church (pictured below before the attack) would fire by mistake.
The Newly Canonized Saints of Compiègne: "To the poorest daughter of Carmel, honor speaks louder than fear."
Mother Marie: Sister Blanche...First Commissary: I forbid you to continue...Mother Marie: You have the power to force me to silence, but none to command me to it. I represent here the Reverend Mother Prioress and I shall take no orders from you.A Commissary: Confounded old hag! She cannot be made to hold her tongue, fellow Citizen, but remind her that the Republic has a machine at its disposal that will leave her somewhat short of breath!First Commissary: Enough! I repeat that you must behave as a true representative of the people! [He turns to Sister Blanche:] Young citizen, you have nothing to fear from us, who are your liberators! Say but one word, and you will find yourself beyond the sway of those who, to better put you in their power, have not feared to offend nature in usurping even the sacred name of "mother". Henceforth, you are under the protection of the Law.
"I felt inspired by God to create an all-blue banner with a circle of stars, like that of the Miraculous Medal. Hence, the European flag is that of Our Lady”. [Arsène Heitz].
Typically, the European Union is ashamed of the twelve stars of the Madonna.
4 Years of Traditionis Custodes - 4 Years of Lies
An interview with Christian Marquant, of French association Paix Liturgique:
Paix Liturgique – Dear Christian, what do you mean by the title you chose for this interview?
Christian Marquant – That the motu proprio Traditionis Custodes, which was published exactly four years ago on July 16, 2021, was an extraordinary exercise of manipulation aimed at putting and end once and for all to the increasingly disturbing question of the renewal of those who are known as traditionalists, and whom I prefer to call faithful Catholics.
The Broad Ocean of the Latin Rite: What True Liturgical Diversity Looks Like
Mad Hatter Francis "Liturgist" Andrea Grillo: The Bishops Were All Wrong, I'm Right -- plus a major assessment by Sandro Magister of the Lies on which Traditionis custodes were based
Weeks after mocking soon to be canonized Carlo Acutis for having faith in the Blessed Sacrament -- a public statement that was so shocking that his own university disowned him -- the Mad Hatter of the liturgical world, Andrea Grillo, is again showing his colors.
He, who was the man behind Francis document Traditionis custodes, establishing a gradual extinction of the Traditional Latin Mass, now does not deny (as many of his liberal friends first try to do) the complete truth that the report by the world's Bishops that preceded Summorum Pontificum is real. In his new piece on this saga of shame (translation below), Grillo now says that, yes, the Bishops' report is all too real, and, yes, it is very positive -- but the bishops were simply wrong.
Let us all recall that Francis put into writing in Traditionis custodes what can only be called a lie: "At this time, having considered the wishes expressed by the episcopate..."; and in the accompanying letter, Francis lied even more shamefully: "With the passage of thirteen years, I instructed the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to circulate a questionnaire to the Bishops regarding the implementation of the Motu proprio Summorum Pontificum. The responses reveal a situation that preoccupies and saddens me, and persuades me of the need to intervene."
What we now know, in fact, was that the situation revealed by the responses was fantastically positive. Whoever persuaded Francis to write the lies that he put in writing created a moment of immense shame and perpetual regret for the good name of the Apostolic See.
Grillo's latest words are a response to the measured analysis of the situation by the prestigious Vaticanist Sandro Magister, also transcribed below.
First, Grillo:
An Interview with Monsignor Bux: "The Bishops weren't responsible for launching the War Against Tradition."
Right after the explosive news on the actual positive nature of the global bishops' report on Summorum Pontificum was published last week, Monsignor Nicola Bux, one of the great liturgical names of our times and a major advisor under Benedict XVI, released a book with more details on the event. We now know that Vatican insiders close to Francis lied about it, and Francis himself did not tell the truth about it (on paper, in Traditionis custodes, the restrictions document).
Monsignor Bux spoke at length about these matters in an interview granted to Stefano Chiappalone, of Italian news website Bussola Quotidiana, and published today:
Msgr. Bux, so it was not the majority of bishops who were pushing to “do away” with the traditional Mass?
The Shifting Sands of Traditionis custodes
by Kevin Tierneyfor Rorate Cæli
Following Diane Montagna’s bombshell revelation of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith's summary of the Bishops opinion on Summorum Pontificum, it was wondered by many how the defenders of Traditionis custodes would respond. While the first 24 hours saw a flurry of defenses call into question her reporting (none of them very compelling), defenders have received their talking points and have settled upon a defense. What they do not realize is this defense puts them into an even more precarious position.
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