Pope Francis Limits Traditional Latin Mass... 'Catholic Conservatives' React

Pope Francis, who is recovering after recently undergoing surgery for colonic stenosis, appeared on the balcony of Gemelli General Hospital in Rome, Italy, on the 11th (local time), smiling brightly at the faithful.
[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Pope Francis has decided to further restrict the celebration of the traditional Latin Mass.

On the 16th (local time), the Pope announced a 'Motu Proprio' containing this decision.

Previously, the Catholic Mass was conducted in Latin for over 1,500 years. However, following the Second Vatican Council (1962?1965), the Mass began to be celebrated in the local languages of each country. This was part of reforms aimed at making the Church more approachable to the faithful.

However, conservative Catholics in the United States and Europe rejected these reforms and continued efforts to uphold the traditional Latin Mass. This practice was maintained as a niche form of Mass after Pope Benedict XVI, in 2007, allowed the celebration of the Latin Mass without requiring special permission from the bishop.

But Pope Francis has now made a decision to strictly implement the spirit of the Second Vatican Council in liturgical practices. The new Motu Proprio mandates that permission from the local bishop is required to celebrate the traditional Latin Mass and prohibits the establishment of exclusive religious groups that uphold this Mass tradition.

This reflects the Pope's intention to no longer tolerate conflicts within the Church over the form of the Mass and serves as a warning against actions that undermine the unity of the Church.

Conservative Catholics are strongly opposing this move. Conservative blogger Lorate Caeli raised her voice, calling the decision a "barbaric act." Some foreign media, including the Associated Press, have noted that Pope Francis has overturned the decision made by his predecessor, Benedict XVI.