In an interview with the Italian newspaper Il Giornale on August 27, Cardinal Robert Sarah argued that the Church must avoid treating devotees of the Traditional Latin Mass as adversaries. The former prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments cautioned that restricting access to the older liturgical rite creates unnecessary division within the faithful.

Sarah’s comments, reported by ewtnnews.com, come amid ongoing debate regarding the Holy See’s approach to the pre-Vatican II liturgy. The cardinal emphasized that preference for a specific form of the Mass should not become a point of ideological contention or pastoral exclusion.

A History of Liturgical Evolution

The Traditional Latin Mass, often referred to as the extraordinary form, traces its roots back to the time of Pope Gregory the Great and earlier centuries of Church history. For nearly a millennium, this liturgy was the standard celebration of the Eucharist across the globe. Its widespread use continued until the Second Vatican Council, which convened between 1962 and 1965.

Following the council, the new Mass—known as the ordinary form—began to replace the older rite in most parishes. However, the complete abandonment of the traditional liturgy did not occur immediately. In the mid-1980s, the Holy See began to relax the de facto ban on its celebration, allowing for a gradual return of the old liturgy in certain contexts. This period marked a shift toward recognizing the historical and spiritual value of the traditional rite for many Catholics.

In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI issued the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum, which formally authorized priests to celebrate the extraordinary form more freely. Benedict sought to present the two forms as complementary expressions of the same Roman Rite, rather than as competing movements. He described the traditional Mass as a precious treasure that deserved preservation and respect.

Shifting Vatican Policy

The trajectory of papal policy changed significantly in 2021, when Pope Francis issued Traditionis Custodes. This document revoked many of the permissions granted by Benedict XVI and placed stricter controls on the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass. The new restrictions limited which bishops could authorize celebrations and required greater oversight from local ordinaries.

Cardinal Sarah criticized these measures in his recent interview. He stated that the 2021 restrictions were neither “sensible” nor “respectful,” arguing that they failed to address the genuine devotion of those who cherish the older liturgy. Instead, he praised Pope Benedict’s 2007 decision as a more balanced and pastoral approach to liturgical diversity.

“We, as a Church, cannot declare war on those who devoutly attend Mass simply because they prefer one form over another; this is a shortsighted and entirely ideological stance and, therefore, neither pastoral nor Christian,” Sarah told the EWTN News. His remarks underscore the concern that rigid enforcement of liturgical uniformity may alienate faithful Catholics who have long found spiritual nourishment in the traditional rite.

The SSPX Context

The debate over the Traditional Latin Mass has been complicated by the history of the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), founded by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre of Dakar, Senegal. The society emerged in opposition to certain changes introduced after Vatican II and has maintained a contentious relationship with the Holy See.

In 2026, the SSPX was declared in schism, and its bishops were excommunicated. This development has further polarized discussions about liturgical identity and ecclesial unity. Critics argue that conflating all traditionalist groups with the SSPX risks penalizing faithful Catholics who simply wish to pray in the manner of their ancestors.

Sarah’s intervention highlights the need for a nuanced approach that distinguishes between legitimate liturgical preference and doctrinal dissent. The cardinal’s position reflects a broader call within the Church for dialogue and reconciliation, rather than confrontation, when addressing differences in liturgical practice.

Pastoral Implications

The Church’s mission is to shepherd all the faithful, regardless of their liturgical preferences. Cardinal Sarah’s warning against an “ideological stance” serves as a reminder that pastoral care must prioritize unity and charity over rigid enforcement. The diversity of forms within the Roman Rite can be seen as a richness rather than a threat, provided that doctrinal integrity is maintained.

As the Church navigates these complex issues, leaders like Sarah advocate for a return to the spirit of Summorum Pontificum, which sought to honor both forms as valid expressions of Catholic worship. The hope is that future policy will reflect this balance, ensuring that no faithful Catholic feels marginalized or persecuted for their devotion.

The conversation surrounding the Traditional Latin Mass remains one of the most sensitive topics in contemporary Catholic life. By calling for an end to what he described as a “war” on traditionalists, Cardinal Sarah has reignited calls for greater pastoral sensitivity and historical awareness within the Church’s governance.