On July 16, 2021, Pope Francis, “in a constant search for ecclesial communion,” issued an Apostolic Letter, motu proprio, titled Traditionis Custodes, regarding the use of the Extraordinary Form of the Mass.
To better understand Pope Francis’ recent motu proprio, it might be helpful to read previous papal documents. Traditionis Custodes is remarkably consistent with Saint John Paul II’s document Quattuor abhinc annos. It elaborates on the conditions required to celebrate the Mass according to the 1962 Missale Romanum:
- the permissions and indult required
- the Bishop’s report back to the Vatican
- an established community who asks for it
- the dates of the celebration
- that it not take place in parish churches
- and that the Tridentine Rite may not be combined with the novus ordo.
Primary Sources
- Quattuor abhinc annos — John Paul II’s 1984 indult (“Four years ago…”) may be found here: https://adoremus.org/2007/12/quattuor-abhinc-annos/
- Summorum Pontificum — Pope Benedict XVI’s July 7, 2007, Apostolic Letter, motu proprio “On the Use of the Roman Liturgy prior to the Reform of 1970”
- Letter of Pope Benedict XVI that accompanied the publication of Summorum Pontificum
- Traditionis Custodes — Pope Francis’ July 16, 2021, Apostolic Letter, motu proprio “On the Use of the Roman Liturgy prior to the Reform of 1970”
- Letter of Pope Francis that accompanied the publication of Traditionis Custodes