Vatican City, June 4, 2026:
Pope Leo XIV has called on priests to faithfully observe the Church’s liturgical norms and refrain from making personal changes to the celebration of the Mass, stressing that such practices can create confusion among the faithful and weaken ecclesial communion.
Speaking during his General Audience in St. Peter’s Square on May 27, 2026 the Holy Father encouraged priests “to respect the texts and norms of the liturgy with openness, humility, trust in God’s greatness, and with sincere fidelity to ecclesial communion.”
Reflecting on the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, Pope Leo noted that while legitimate development in the liturgy is possible, it must always remain rooted in the Church’s living tradition.
“The council magisterium calls for the avoidance of confusion amongst the faithful, discouraging anyone from adding, removing, or altering anything in liturgical matters on their own initiative,” the Pope said.
The Holy Father explained that the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council were intended to deepen the participation of the faithful in the Paschal Mystery of Christ while preserving the essential elements of worship handed down by the Church. He emphasised that every authentic reform must be preceded by careful theological, historical and pastoral reflection and must always serve the unity of the Church.
Quoting the teaching of Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Leo observed that tradition and progress are not opposing realities but belong together within the living tradition of the Church. True liturgical renewal, he said, strengthens ecclesial communion and leads believers more deeply into the mystery of Christ.
The Pope’s remarks carry particular significance in a time when liturgical practices can vary widely from place to place. The Church teaches that the Eucharistic celebration belongs to the whole Church and not to the personal preferences of the celebrant. Fidelity to the approved liturgical texts and gestures safeguards both the unity of worship and the faith of the people.
The Holy Father also recalled that the liturgy has been a powerful force for evangelisation throughout the centuries. He urged the Church to renew that missionary energy while remaining faithful to the authentic Catholic tradition received from previous generations.
For priests, bishops and the faithful alike, the Pope’s message serves as a reminder that the sacred liturgy is not a personal possession to be adapted according to individual preference, but a gift entrusted to the Church, to be celebrated with reverence, fidelity and unity.
Source: EWTN News (Victoria Cardiel), May 28, 2026.