Traditionis Custodes: Vatican Survey Contradicts Francis' Official Rationale
Background
In 2021, Pope Francis issued 'Traditionis Custodes', restricting the celebration of the Roman rite.
He justified this by citing a 2020 global consultation of bishops that allegedly revealed widespread division and dissatisfaction caused by the Roman rite.
Francis wrote that he was "constrained" by the bishops’ "requests" to revoke 'Summorum Pontificum'.
Francis’ Invented Excuse
The report, which has now been published, contradicts the rationale behind 'Traditionis Custodes'.
The report's "Overall Assessment" by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith concludes: "The majority of bishops who responded stated that making legislative changes to Summorum Pontificum would cause more harm than good."
Other Results
In dioceses where bishops and clergy cooperated, "the situation has become completely pacified".
The report even warned that revoking 'Summorum Pontificum' could revive "liturgical wars", risk schism or drive faithful toward the Priestly Fraternity of St Pius X (FSSPX).
A significant proportion of those attending the Roman Rite are young people, many of whom are converts. They are drawn by the rite's sacredness, silence, doctrinal clarity and aesthetic richness.
The Roman Rite has increased vocations. However, some bishops were concerned that young men preferred Roman Rite communities to diocesan seminaries.
Bishops praised the now disbanded Ecclesia Dei Commission for its role in maintaining stability and supporting tradition.
The report recommended that seminaries teach both forms of the Roman Rite in order to promote unity and ensure well-trained clergy.
One recommendation quoted a Filipino bishop as saying: "Let the people be free to choose".
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