Who can dispense with the regulations of "Traditionis custodes"? Pope Francis makes it clear that only the liturgical dicastery can do so. With the new decree now published, the Vatican can reclaim many local special permissions for the Old Mass.
Pope Francis has determined that the dispensational power for Mass celebrations in the pre-conciliar form rests with the Apostolic See. A decree of the Pope published on Tuesday states that only the Vatican can grant dispensations for such Mass celebrations in parish churches or for the establishment of corresponding personal parishes. The same applies to special permission for individual priests, provided they were ordained after 16 July 2021.
According to the decree, the Vatican authority for liturgy and sacraments is responsible for implementing and monitoring the new norm. Bishops who have already granted such exemptions must now submit them to the authority for review.
Special permits could be confiscated
Already in July 2021, Francis had considerably restricted the possibilities for celebrating Mass in the old rite with the letter "Traditionis custodes". With the now published implementing regulations, the Vatican can also revoke many local special permissions. In principle, "Traditiones custodes" emphasises that the diocesan bishops have sovereignty over where Mass is celebrated in the pre-conciliar form in their diocese. However, the prefect of the liturgical dicastery, Cardinal Arthur Roche, takes the position that the diocesan bishops' power of dispensation does not apply in the matters of "Traditionis custodes". In Germany, the Archbishop of Freiburg had allowed pre-conciliar celebrations in two parish churches.
In North America, but also in some European countries, some parishes in which Mass is celebrated according to the old rite have experienced considerable growth in recent years. In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI (2005-2013) made the celebration of the Old Mass possible again worldwide without special conditions. In the survey conducted in preparation for the World Synod meeting in Rome in October, believers in several countries had indicated that they would feel marginalised by a ban on the Old Mass.
The papal decree was published as "Rescriptum ex audientia" (Audience Protocol) by the Vatican Press Office. It comes into force with its publication in the Vatican newspaper "L'Osservatore Romano". In recent weeks, there has been increased speculation in traditionalist circles about a renewed tightening of the regulations on the pre-conciliar Mass.
Cathcon: Never in the history of the Church has there been such shocking abuse of power.
