Pope Leo XIV has called for renewed unity in the church’s religious life, urging French bishops to find “concrete solutions” to include Catholics associated with the traditional Latin Mass while preserving communion.
In a message sent through the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to the spring plenum of French bishops in Lourdes (24–26 March), the Pope expressed concern over the divisions surrounding the liturgy, describing them as “a painful wound” within the Church.
“It is disturbing that a painful wound is being opened in the Church over the celebration of the Mass of the Sacrament of Unity,” the message said.
The Pope stressed the need for a new spirit of charity and understanding among Catholics with different religious sensibilities.
“A new attitude toward each other, with a greater understanding of their sensitivity, is certainly necessary,” he wrote, “an attitude that will allow brothers and sisters, rich in their diversity, to welcome one another in charity and in the unity of the faith.”
Addressing the development of communities associated with the “Vetus Ordo”, Leo XIV encouraged bishops to pursue practical methods.
“May the Holy Spirit inspire you to seek concrete solutions that allow the generous inclusion of those faithfully associated with the ‘Vetus Ordo’ in relation to the directives desired by the Second Vatican Council in liturgical matters,” the message said.
In 2007 Benedict XVI widely liberalized the celebration of the Pre-Reconciliation Liturgy sumorum pontificumAllows widespread use of the traditional Latin Mass, but Pope Francis sharply restricted that permission in 2021 tradition is the protectorReturning tighter control over diocesan bishops.
The debate has gained renewed momentum in France because of the Society of St. Pius The SSPX said in February it planned to consecrate bishops on July 1 without a pontifical order, a move that canon law says leads to automatic excommunication for both consecrating bishops and those appointed.
Beyond theological concerns, the Pope also addressed the ongoing abuse crisis, urging perseverance in prevention efforts and continued care of victims.
“It is advisable to persist longer in the prevention measures that have been put in place,” he wrote, while also calling on the Church to show “attention to the victims and God’s mercy towards all”, including abusive priests, who should not be excluded from pastoral reflection.
“After years of painful crises,” the Pope said, “the time has come to turn firmly to the future” and offer “a message of encouragement and faith” to priests in France.
The message also highlighted the importance of Catholic education amid increasing social pressure on Catholic institutions.
The Pope encouraged the bishops to defend with determination the Christian dimension of Catholic teaching, which, without reference to Jesus Christ, would lose its reason for existence.
this story was first published By ACI Stampa, EWTN News’ Italian language partner service. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
