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Benedict XVI Eases Restrictions on Latin Mass
Abstract: Fewer restrictions on Latin Mass; is Vatican II a failed mission strategy?
On July 7 in an apostolic letter titled Summorum Pontificum Pope Benedict XVI removed a rule requiring the local bishop's permission for priests to celebrate the Tridentine Mass. The Tridentine Mass is conducted in Latin, a language unfamiliar to most of the world's one billion Roman Catholics.
While acknowledging opposition to this change, Pope Benedict assured bishops that this decision would not lessen their authority or responsibility, and he expressed the hope that the change would neither divide the church not roll back the reforms of the Second Vatican Council (which authorized worship in local languages).
Jewish groups including the Anti-Defamation League condemned the change, citing as offensive the prayer (appointed for Good Friday) for the conversion of Jews.
The Priestly Society of Saint Pius X, a French group that broke with the Vatican over the Latin Mass and other issues, hailed the decision.
