With Latin as the official language of the Roman Catholic Church, why are Latin Masses prohibited in the United States? They can only be said by dispensation?
A priest can say the New Mass (as of 1969/1970) in Latin without any formal permission from his bishop. However, this occurs even more rarely than the traditional Latin Mass.
A priest must receive permission from his bishop to say the traditional Latin Mass (pre-1969/1970). There is actually an ongoing debate as to whether this is necessary. But, the practical reality for now is that it is necessary to receive permission from the ordinary.
Catholics who love the old Mass, and the beautiful sacred music that usually accompanied it, have much to be optimistic about with Benedict XVI.