Pope Leo XIV on liturgy: Priests must remain faithful to Mass rubrics

Key Points:

• Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of priests remaining faithful to the texts and instructions of the Mass, urging proper formation to celebrate the liturgy with dignity and reverence.
• In a letter to Cardinal Arthur Roche, the pope highlighted respect for the rites promulgated by Popes Paul VI and John Paul II, stressing that this respect must come from humility, openness, and fidelity to Church communion.
• Cardinal Roche is attending a liturgical formation conference at the Benedictine Abbey of Mount Angel, focusing on prayerful spiritual discernment rather than academic discussion, aiming to develop practical proposals for liturgical education.
• Pope Leo XIV underscored the need for ongoing liturgical formation for both clergy and laity, referencing Pope Francis’ apostolic letter Desiderio Desideravi, and encouraged exploring concrete formation paths within the Church.
• The pope also pointed out that Sunday Mass celebrations, centered on the Paschal Mystery, should serve as formative experiences to deepen understanding and reverence for the liturgy among all participants.