Possible ban on Tridentine Mass at Chartres pilgrimage

The Vatican is reportedly considering a possible ban on the Tridentine Mass during the traditional pilgrimage to Chartres. The reason for the considerations is the fear that the organisers would not adhere to the norms for the celebration of the pre-conciliar mass, reported the French daily newspaper "La Croix" on Thursday. The organisers of the pilgrimage are also accused of wanting to celebrate a non-public mass according to the 1962 Missal without having obtained permission from Rome. In the report, "La Croix" refers to consistent information from Paris and Rome.

The organisers reacted with incomprehension and explained that they felt overwhelmed by the Vatican bureaucracy. They regret a possible ban, which would be "difficult to explain" to future pilgrimage participants, according to the report. However, the reaction of the organisers caused disappointment among the Bishop of Chartres, Philippe Christory. They are not open to the current missals, which is why he is hoping for a gesture of openness from the organisers. "We have a common future," said Christory, emphasising the "many fruits" of the pilgrimage, which brings people together far beyond the traditionalist world. Nevertheless, the bishop is hoping for a possible decision in Rome.

Pope Francis had announced in 2021 with the motu proprio"Traditionis custodes"Pope Francis reversed the liberalisation of the celebration of the traditional Latin Mass carried out by his predecessor Benedict XVI. In doing so, the head of the churchnew and, above all, stricter conditionswhich were subsequently tightened by the responsible liturgical dicastery. "If anyone has to decide, it's the Pope," says Christory. In May this year, around 18,000 people took part in the traditional pilgrimage. The closing mass was celebrated by the German Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller. (mtr)