Wednesday 24 June 2026
Emma Rogers /

Why Traditionalist Catholics Are Upset About Pope Francis’ Decree on the Latin Mass

Let’s go back to the Second Vatican Council.
Why Traditionalist  Catholics Are Upset About Pope Francis’ Decree on the Latin Mass

Last week, Pope Francis upset traditionalist Catholics when he reinstated limits on where, and by whom, the Tridentine Mass—colloquially called the traditional Latin Mass (TLM)—can be celebrated. This decision was a direct reversal of Benedict XVI’s 2007 expansion of the rite. To those unfamiliar with the TLM, the resulting public frustration was confusing.

Emma Rogers is a former Dispatch intern. She has a masters degree in global policy studies from the University of Texas.

More We Think You’d Like