His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV has approved a new Mass formulary for the Roman Missal and ordered that it be promulgated. Missa pro Custodia Creationis (“For the Care of Creation”) will be added as a Mass for Various Needs and Occasions.
In a July 3 press conference, Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J. (Prefect of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Human Development) and Msgr. Vittorio Francesco Viloa, OFM (Secretary of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments) announced the release of this addition to the Roman Missal. Cardinal Czerny spoke of the history behind and the rationale for the Mass formulary and Msgr. Viola walked through the texts and the readings. The Prefect of the DPIHD added that the Mass for the Care of Creation “calls us to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us—in our daily choices and in public policy, as well as in prayer, worship, and the way we live in the world.”
The complete, forty-two minute video of this press conference may be found here. English translation is provided.
As is typical, the Mass texts have been released in Latin. Of course, it is the right and duty of episcopal conferences throughout the world to provide the official translation, but the DDWDS has released some working translations in order to make the work of translation easier.
The Decree (Prot N. 283/24) “On the Formulary and Biblical Readings for the Mass for the Care of Creation” was signed by Cardinal Arthur Roche and issued on the solemnity of Pentecost, June 8, 2025. It noted “at this time it is evident that the work of creation is seriously threatened because of the irresponsible use and abuse of the goods God has endowed to our care” (cf. Laudato si, n.2)
In the past several years, many ecumenical movements had sought a feast or solemnity or even a season in honor of creation. Pope Francis chose to encourage a Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation (September 1). Likewise, Pope Leo XIV encourages our participation in a World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1, 2025. Its theme is “Seeds of Peace and Hope.”
By disseminating this new Mass formulary, the Holy Father recognizes that we might focus on this issue at other times of the year, when the liturgical day allows. “…[T]he Eucharist is also a source of light and motivation for our concerns for the environment, directing us to be stewards of all creation” (Decree, Cardinal Roche, quoting Laudato si, no. 236).
Pope Leo has indicated that he will be using the new formulary next week at a Mass at Castel Gandolfo. However, please wait for the official translation to be released by the USCCB before using it in the dioceses of the United States. As with all new additions to the Roman Missal, official Mass texts and appointed readings will be distributed to Bishops and posted on the USCCB website.
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