Pope Leo XIV today urged priests to abide by the Church’s liturgical texts and rubrics, warning against un-authorized alterations to the Holy Mass and other liturgical rites.
In a Wednesday general audience catechesis on Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Vatican II constitution on the sacred liturgy, the Pope said that clergy entrusted with celebrating the “divine mysteries” are called to preserve “that respect for the texts and norms of the liturgy which springs from an inner disposition of openness and trust in God, showing humility before His greatness and sincere fidelity to ecclesial communion.”
The Pope’s exhortation came at the conclusion of a broader reflection (reproduced in full below) on liturgical reform, and forms part of his ongoing series on the documents of Vatican II.
Today’s reflection drew on the same passages from Sacrosanctum Concilium that the Pope had cited in his Christmas letter to members of the Sacred College, in which he had expressed the hope that the first extraordinary consistory of Cardinals — held in January — would undertake an “in-depth theological, historical, and pastoral reflection” on the Church’s liturgical life, so as “to retain sound tradition and yet remain open to legitimate progress.”
Although the liturgy was ultimately not discussed at the meeting owing to time constraints, it remains possible that it will feature on the agenda of Pope Leo’s second extraordinary consistory of cardinals, scheduled for June 26-27 at the Vatican.
GENERAL AUDIENCE
Saint Peter’s Square
Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Dear brothers and sisters, good morning and welcome!
In the Encyclical Mediator Dei, the Venerable Pius XII writes that “the Church is without question a living organism, and as an organism, in respect of the sacred liturgy also, she grows, matures, develops, adapts and accommodates herself to temporal needs and circumstances, provided only that the integrity of her doctrine be safeguarded” (no. 59).
In full accordance with this principle, the Second Vatican Council, in the Introduction to the Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium (SC), recognizes “particularly cogent reasons for undertaking the reform and promotion of the liturgy” (no. 1). The Council assembly was gathered, in fact, with the desire to “impart an ever increasing vigour to the Christian life of the faithful; to adapt more suitably to the needs of our own times those institutions which are subject to change; to foster whatever can promote union among all who believe in Christ; to strengthen whatever can help to call the whole of mankind into the household of the Church” (ibid.).
At that moment in history, there was a strong sense of the need for a renewal of the ritual forms through which, for centuries, the Church had glorified God and sanctified the Christian people. Thanks to the Liturgical Movement, the conviction had matured — later expressed by Saint John Paul II — that “a very close and organic bond exists between the renewal of the liturgy and the renewal of the whole life of the Church. The Church not only acts but also expresses herself in the liturgy, lives by the liturgy and draws from the liturgy the strength for her life” (Letter Dominicae Cenae, 13).
To encourage the access of the faithful to the richness of the gifts of grace dispensed by the sacred liturgy, the Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium thus indicates, with a very effective phrase, the direction to take: “That sound tradition may be retained, and yet the way remain open to legitimate progress” (SC, 23).
Pope Benedict XVI grasped in this declaration of intent the “reform programme” of the Council Fathers, “a balance between the great liturgical tradition of the past and that of the future”, noting that “tradition and progress are often clumsily opposed”, whereas “actually, the two concepts merge: tradition is a living reality, which therefore includes in itself the principle of development, of progress. It is as if to say that the river of tradition also carries its source in itself and flows towards the outlet” (Address to participants in the Congress promoted by the Pontifical Athenaeum of Saint Anselm on the 50th anniversary of foundation, 6 May 2011).
The Council affirms the legitimacy of this progress, rooted in authentic Tradition, distinguishing within the liturgy “immutable elements, divinely instituted” from “elements subject to change [which] not only may but ought to be changed with the passage of time if they have suffered from the intrusion of anything out of harmony with the inner nature of the liturgy or have become unsuited to it” (SC, 21). Changes of this type have taken place constantly over the centuries in order to enable the faithful to participate fruitfully, through ritual actions, in the Paschal Mystery of Christ, the foundation of the Christian faith. The Church’s worship has thus been “embodied” in the cultural forms of each age and has been able to influence them and even transform them. The liturgy has thus been, for centuries, a driving force for evangelization. Today, this energy must be renewed in continuity with the authentic and living Catholic tradition, that is, in accordance with a dynamic aimed at introducing believers to the fullness of the truth.
It is therefore understandable why the Council Fathers recommended that the revision of the rites, when “the good of the Church genuinely and certainly requires them”, must be carried out taking care that “any new forms adopted should in some way grow organically from forms already existing” (SC, 23). For the good of the entire Church, every reform must always be preceded by careful “theological, historical and pastoral” investigation (ibid.). The Council Magisterium, in this way, thus calls for the avoidance of confusion amongst the faithful, discouraging anyone from adding, removing or altering anything in liturgical matters on their own initiative (cf. SC, 22). The progress evoked in the Conciliar Constitution in no way compromises ecclesial communion: rather, it seeks to confirm and foster it.
I therefore urge all those called to prepare the celebration of the divine mysteries, in particular priests who exercise the ministry of liturgical presidency, to always uphold that respect for the texts and regulations of the liturgy which springs from an inner attitude of openness and trust in God, manifesting humility before His greatness and sincere fidelity to ecclesial communion.
Amen. Clergy should not be making stuff up. The prayers of the Church are powerful as well as the ones that should be used in public worship.
(Of course, there are some places where the text indicates, “”in these or similar words.” One example would be the Kyrie (Greek) in the Latin Church. And, of course, only in those places, “similar” means alike in substance or essentials or words, phrases, or expressions that share comparable definitions, characteristics, or concepts.)
We are not a “build your own” religion. We receive the Faith handed down to us from Christ and the Apostles, through the ages.
Agreed. What we have in the Church right now is accurately described as parish liturgical congregationalism, not unified Catholic worship. Catholic parishes located only miles apart can have vastly different approaches to celebrating Mass. Liturgical congregationalism is liturgical abuse. That applies also to the way Communion is distributed: the official norm is to receive Communion standing, and no parish nor pastor may decide on his own authority to disregard that norm by instituting a local parish practice of distributing Communion at an altar rail. Stick to the rubrics.
I don’t think you are correct in stating that the people can only receive the Eucharist while standing.
I didn’t say that people can only receive Communion while standing. I said that a parish or a pastor does not have the authority to implement a local parish practice of kneeling at an altar rail to receive Communion rather than standing. The rubrics say that standing is the norm. Thus standing is to be promoted, and kneeling of individuals merely tolerated, not promoted.
Promoting use of an altar rail changes kneeling from being merely tolerated as an individual choice to being an unauthorized and impermissible superseding local norm at the parish that implements it. Parishes don’t get to make things up. We have norms. Parishes and priests and laity must adhere to those norms. Stick to the rubrics.
The truth is that many bishops are deathly afraid of enforcing doctrinal or liturgical standards because they are afraid of losing people and money. The Church is just a people-pleasing Elks Lodge now. Every parish and pastor does whatever they want. As long as they pay the cathedraticum the bishop couldn’t care less.
The fact is that almost every parish I visit has terrible liturgy. Fixing that should be priority number one in every diocese.
Do you think that evangelization might be priority number one, as the Church and our Lord HImself commanded?
Followed by good, solid Catholic catechesis, wouldn’t better liturgies be one of the results?
Well, evangelization is pretty bad too, if we’re being honest. I think the Church is clear that celebration of the sacred mysteries in liturgy is her highest activity. The source and the summit of the Christian life. That’s not said about any other good and important activity of the Church. Worship and catechesis are most definitely related, and both are important, but if we are going to list a hierarchy, liturgy is greater than catechesis.
Priority One and/or Alien Man,
I can’t tell if you’re one and the same. Regardless, you’re absolutely correct that the Mass (or Divine Liturgy) is the source and summit of life for Christians. As you noted, that’s for the Christian life, believers.
Yet, the Church exists to evangelize. Evangelii Nuntiandi for one example of the Church teaching that. Or, our Lord’s command to the Apostles, “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt. 28:18-20) There is no liturgical expert like the Paschal Lamb Himself, Priest and Sacrifice, the Liturgist above all liturgists, so to speak. And, of course, appropriate Liturgy follows Him. Yet, He did not say, “go and celebrate Mass well,” though, of course, that’s understood and should be done.
Without evangelization, there would be no lay faithful, no clergy, no Eucharist.
All; evangelization, catechesis/making disciples and worship, should, by the grace of God, be done well. Let’s do it all! The fullness of the Faith.
True, post-Conciliar priests are often poor with Mass rubrics. Worse, they may crack jokes and entertain the Faithful. The post-Conciliar Mass features “humanism,” not authentic Divine Worship. Irreverent secular pop “religious” music is the norm. Traditional, holy, reverent Catholic sacred music– even the “Lourdes Hymn” (“Immaculate Mary”) is unwanted. Many holy, traditional Catholic elements were discarded for ecumenism, and modernism. Modern churches are highly secularized, and filled with sin– many “Rainbow flags” fly at modern altars. There is no Dress Code, many dress in jeans and t-shirts, many women and girls dress provocatively. Churches are no longer holy and reverent, talking to all your “human” neighbors is the norm, not devout kneeling in prayer– nor even devout kneeling at Communion, to receive Our Lord on the tongue. The Church refuses to properly catechize parishioners— and many “Catholic” schools and colleges are now destroyed. Many no longer believe in the Real Presence. And Canon Law is disregarded– anyone is “welcomed” to join the Communion line– Nancy Pelosi, Dick Durbin, Joe Biden, Drag Queen Nuns…. who cares??
I think the Pope should start with purifying his corrupt home Archdiocese of Chicago. Tell Cardinal Cupich he must preach only Catholic teaching, and run his Archdiocese strictly by Canon Law. All of the Catholic schools, colleges and seminaries must be reformed, and run strictly by Catholic teachings only. Strong catechetical programs must be re- established for the young, with refresher courses for adults. Catholic families must all come to Sunday and Holyday Masses together, and practice the Faith together. Sacred, holy Catholic traditions must be reintroduced, and become a regular part of Church life. A good Dress Code must be re-established. Christian Morality must be regularly taught, with lots of sermons on Chastity, and on the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, and on the sacredness of all life, from conception to natural death. “Courage” groups must be started for gays. The liturgy should be reverent and holy, with sacred Catholic music, very prayerful. Now we have a real Catholic Archdiocese!
I agree with you “Pope needs to do much more,” but is there anything more that you should do?
In addition to posting what you think he should do. Did you write to him?
As a Catholic layman, and neither a close friend nor a family member of the Pope– I do not think it is proper to write to the Pope, and share my thoughts. I actually never write to our local religious leaders, either. Instead, I prefer to talk to them for a few minutes, in person. I believe in praying for the Pope, daily. It is very disturbing to watch heretical Cardinal Cupich run the Archdiocese of Chicago, Pope Leo’s home Archdiocese. Cupich supports Sen. Dick Durbin, and offers him Holy Communion, and tried to offer him a big lifetime award, too– despite the fact that Durbin supports abortion. Cdl. Cupich also did not protest the vile P.P. Mobile Free Abortion Clinic, at the 2024 DNC in Chicago, where he gave the Invocation. He does not support true Catholic teachings and Canon Law. Many will agree, the Pope should do something to bring his home Archdiocese back to the Catholic Faith.
Catholic layman, according to Canon 212 of the Code of Canon Law:
§2. The Christian faithful are free to make known to the pastors of the Church their needs, especially spiritual ones, and their desires.
§3. According to the knowledge, competence, and prestige which they possess, they have the right and even at times the duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church and to make their opinion known to the rest of the Christian faithful, without prejudice to the integrity of faith and morals, with reverence toward their pastors, and attentive to common advantage and the dignity of persons.
So, all, lay faithful and clergy, are called to do something, including respectfully speaking the truth to those in positions of spiritual authority. Sometimes, as the canon notes, that’s even a duty.
Oh yes, I agree with you on Canon Law. But post-Conciliar popes and prelates do not always follow Canon Law. And they are, unfortunately, higly resistant to taking action on serious issues. They get hundreds of letters each week, and secretaries take care of most of their correspondence. Best to try to talk to a pope or prelate in person, and tell him about a serious situation. But you may not get needed results. For example– a group of parents may try to personally talk with their bishop, Bishop Cantu, of the San Jose Diocese, regarding serious problems at Santa Clara Univ. or Abp. Mitty High School. But will they get any results? At least they tried, in person, to express their concerns. That is what I do. Prayer and patience is best, after that.
The Catholic Faith is not a post-Conciliar, Pentecostal “holy roller,” overly-emotional, “joyride religious experience.” Young people shouldn’t jump around, with lots of noise, and get all emotionally worked-up, at some “rock concert”-style, so-called “Catholic” youth event. You have to be taught how to properly practice our Catholic Faith and Morals, and become more Christ-like. And what to do, when challenged. You must be quiet and prayerful, listening for God, opening to God in your life. God’s Divine Love is always there, guiding us daily. To practice the Catholic Faith well, a child is taught to behave maturely, learn the virtues taught by Christ, and learn to be obedient to God, and obey parents, teachers, nuns and priests, etc. And all of those adults must treat kids with respect, too, and give them support and encouragement. As a little boy, Pope Leo said his Rosary by himself, nightly– and no doubt, received many precious graces. That’s a good start!
Long ago, some years after JFK’s assassination, I visited relatives living in Dallas, Texas. I attended a big dinner party while there, and sat next to a Hispanic businessman and his wife. Several of their grown, married children were there, one of them, a young, successful Baptist minister with a Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Ft. Worth, TX. This Hispanic family had all converted to the Baptist faith, because they thought the Catholic Church was corrupt. The businessman and his wife explained to me all about their conversion. The Baptist minister explained the mechanics of the Baptist ministers’ training in homiletics, to structure their sermons with Scripture, and use certain techniques — vocal modulations, pacing, and repetitive phrases, etc., balancing Scripture, doctrine, and reaching for congregants’ hearts, emotions, along with their Baptist music– to build up to a climax, seeking altar calls and conversions. That’s their way. Then suddenly, the businessman took an empty wine glass, small plate, napkins, and other things– and constructed a Catholic altar setup– corporal, chalice, purificator, paten, pall, chalice veil and burse…and he smiled warmly, and said, “for you!” What an interesting evening!
I think that it is very manipulative and wrong, for a preacher to use cheap, emotional “gimmicks” to try to convert people to Christ. Like a cheap, crummy sales pitch for a product that will put money in the pockets of a corrupt, greedy salesman. Extremely disrespectful to God. That is my honest.opinion.
Keep reaching out to our separated brothers and sisters. This Sunday, at our church, a family will enter the Church together, being chrismated/confirmed and receiving the Eucharist for the first time. The husband and father comes from a long line of Baptist ministers. Another former Baptist who entered the Church is applying to the seminary. As the first pope taught us, “In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) The Holy Spirit will do the rest. As, we saw at Pentecost!
Emotions feel good, but are very deceptive. They can easily disappear the next day and be forgotten. Sudden emotional commitments to Christ can also vanish, in tough situations, requiring difficult decisions– and a strong moral conscience, integrity, and unfailing virtue. Will you love Christ enough (not just enjoy feelings of His love for you)— to valiantly and steadfastly bear the daily crosses that come your way? That is a big question for many modern, post-Conciliar, superficial Catholic clerics, wallowing in an easy, self-centered, superficial existence. Even worse, how many have talked constantly about God’s Love– yet have had no manly virtue nor Christian dedication to fight to protect the littlest and most vulnerable– God’s little children– from evil, filthy clerical rapists? No adult maturity, no moral conscience, no integrity. Unreliable, and extremely sinful.
Enjoyed reading your comment, Deacon Anderson! How beautiful, an entire family joining the Church! And it’s so wonderful that you have a young man applying to the seminary, too.
Maturity needed, I suspect you’re a layman. You’re absolutely right that maturity is needed in Catholic clerics. Yet, it is also badly needed among Catholic lay people as well. We really are all in this together.
Yes, you are absolutely right. Deacon Anderson. Maturity is desperately needed in all Catholics, laymen and clergy. But it is terribly harmful to see clerical leaders preach “God’s Love” and then to see any of them promote the LGBTs and evilly cover-up clerical rapists of children. Georgetown University, in Washington, D.C., will soon host “Outreach 2026,” on June 19-21st, a national yearly conference for LGBTs and their families, headlined by Jesuit Fr. James Martin, who will offer the “Welcome Mass.” Other speakers include the CEO of Catholic Charities, Kerry Robinson, and Cardinal Robert McElroy. Very disturbing, for a big, historically significant, leading “Catholic” university— ruined by Jesuits, in the post-Conciliar era.
I just saw in the news, that a lesbian Episcopal “priestess” from Georgia, who “lives in sin ” in a gay union with another lesbian Episcopal “priestess,” was made an Episcopal bishop of a North Carolina Episcopal diocese. Never thought such a vile thing could happen in a Protestant church, in the Deep South! There should be a law against this, especially in the clergy, and a law against children being involved in these deviant, filthy unions. These false, degenerate, unChristian clerics should not be recognized nor allowed among Christian denominations, in ecumenical activities. The Episcopal Church no longer qualifies as a Protestant “Christian” church, and should not advertise their church, as a valid “Christian” denomination, for American families. Keep kids safely away from these vile, false “churches!”
Leo has been making pro-LGBT clergy into bishops. After all, he said about LGBT issues in the Church, “I think we have to change attitudes before we ever change doctrine.”
Beware of what’s coming.
I think it is deeply troubling to see Episcopal churches, perhaps in your neighborhood (there are three of them in mine) suddenly become vile and degenerate, with a pair of lesbian “priestesses,” “living in sin,” pretending to run a fake, corrupt, sinful “church,” with the name “Christian” on it. Watch neighborhood families try going there for Christmas, let’s say– or participate in a local ecumenical celebration, with their kids, perhaps at Christmas. And the kids are exposed to deviant LGBT indoctrination by so-called “Christian” clergy. Right in your neighborhood. What other local events do they take part in? Running a soup kitchen for the poor? Giving invocations for City Council meetings? Giving talks for local organizations? Running a summer program for neighborhood kids? Shame on the Episcopal Church for corrupting American communities.
May 30 “alien,” what pro-LGBT bishops has Pope Leo appointed?
When and where did he say, “I think we have to change attitudes before we ever change doctrine.”?
These are sincere questions, not rhetorical. I look forward to your reply (providing evidence, if any, of your claims).
You probably, and rightly, don’t like it when clergy make stuff up. That doesn’t give you the right to make stuff up either.
The truth matters. If he didn’t say and do those things, you should get to Confession for calumny.
You’re making serous allegations about the Pope. We’re taught, “Do not accept an accusation against a priest except on the basis of two or three witnesses.” (1 Tim. 5:19) You can hide behind anonymity here, but the Lord knows who you are. Each of us will give an accounting before God for every word we speak, or post online. (Matt. 12:36)
Episcopal lesbian “priestesses,” in gay “marriages” or civil unions, potentially may bring even more very serious problems to American neighborhoods– LGBT books, pamphlets and films, even for kids, distributed under the false guise of “Christianity,” promoted at their churches and at local libraries, school librsries, bookstores. etc., possible support, in the name of “Christianity” for Transgender agendas– Transgender medical interventions, transgender “social transitions” in schools without parental notification, demands for acceptance of transgender “mothers,” transgenders demanded to use bathrooms and locker rooms of their choice, promoting of filthy, dangerous, sinful gay relationships and sex acts for underage kids, demands of denial of true human biology, and the fact that there are only two genders, male and female, demands for use of transgender “pronouns,” Drag Queens demanded to participate fully in churches, libraries, schools, and at civic events, such as local Christmas celebrations, etc. etc. These deviant, sinful Protestant “priestesses” have no right to corrupt and destroy our country— in the false name of “Christianity.”
Bishops appointed by Pope Leo who are well-known for LGBTQ-inclusive actions, include Bishop Ramon Bejarano, of the Diocese of Monterey, CA, and Bishop Thomas Hennen, of the Diocese of Baker, OR.
In his interview with Elise Ann Allen, for her biography, “Leo XIV: Citizen of the World, Missionary of the XXI Century,” Pope Leo stated that “while the Catholic Church is welcoming, its teachings on marriage and sexuality are unlikely to change anytime soon. A shift in attitudes and hearts must happen first, to avoid polarization… ” (etc.) I heard him say that, myself, in that interview, on EWTN TV— and hoped he didn’t really mean it. Pope Leo supports Catholic teachings on Marriage and sexuality, but at times he seems too concerned about “conflict” and “polarization.” Not a good way to lead, in my opinion. I think the Pope should state Christ’s Truth and stick by it. Uphold the Christian virtue of holy Chastity, and guide those who cannot marry, give good sermons, and provide lots of good support and effective religious and moral leadership to the world on this important topic.
Leo saying, “I think we have to change attitudes…”:
https://signofthecross.substack.com/p/leo-xiv-on-lgbtq-we-have-to-change
So there’s evidence.
About Leo appointing pro-gay bishops:
https://bigmodernism.substack.com/p/who-should-be-excommunicated-the?utm_source=publication-search
Skip down to the part about Leo’s recent appointments, which contrast with the records of the men who are designated to be ordained bishops for the SSPX.
So that’s more evidence. There is plenty of evidence of Leo appointing gay-friendly men to be bishops. Search the internet.
Yes, the truth matters. I agree. I also agree that lying about people is sinful. I have spoken the truth about what Pope Leo has said and done.
Now the question is, when you are satisfied that I have spoken the truth, how will it affect your thinking? Will you realize that the Church hierarchy is being positioned deliberately according to a particular ideological stance? Personnel is policy, and Leo’s personnel decisions are speaking loudly. Just wait until we see who he appoints to the Dioceses of Orange and Los Angeles this year/next year.
Lord, have mercy.
Nothing new. Why I left Canterbury for Rome 30 years ago.
Thank you both (?), for your replies to my questions.
I don’t know anything about those two bishops, so, as with all of us, time will tell.
I see James Martin’s group spinning the Pope’s remarks, but couldn’t find an actual quote that said that anywhere.
He did say,according to Martin’s group, “while the Catholic Church is welcoming, its teachings on marriage and sexuality are unlikely to change anytime soon. A shift in attitudes and hearts must happen first, to avoid polarization…” That article went on to say:
While Leo affirmed traditional teaching on marriage and sexuality in his interview with Ms. Allen, he left the door open to changes in the future. … The pope added, “I find it highly unlikely, certainly in the near future, that the church’s doctrine in terms of what the church teaches about sexuality, what the Church teaches about marriage” will change.
https://outreach.faith/2025/09/pope-leo-lgbtq-catholics-welcome-but-doctrine-change-unlikely-in-near-future/
I don’t trust the cherry-picking and “spin” of Martin and the LGBTQ+ lobby pushing for a change in doctrine. Our Lord Himself made some things very clear.
And, frankly, I’ve found substacks to sometimes be unreliable sources of accurate news. And, I’ve contacted LifeSite News on more than one occasion about errors, including false statements about an orthodox and respected theologian I know personally. They never retracted or corrected their error. And, I’ve seen them take one sentence from a papal address totally out of context to make the pope look like he was in error.
My days in journalism school taught me to be skeptical about undocumented/unsubstantiated claims, regardless of whether from LifeSite or the schismatic SSPX or James Martin and the LGBtQ+ lobby.
In answer to your question, “Will you realize that the Church hierarchy is being positioned deliberately according to a particular ideological stance?” Yes, I do. That’s what’s happening here. Some are ascribing certain ideological stances to bishops. Though I hate to use political terms in the Church, some are “spinning” and cherry-picking what bishops, including the pope, say, both from the “left” and the “right.” I think it’s wishful thinking of the part of the LGBTQ+ lobby in the Church. Of course, bishops vary. But, I have an excellent, solid Catholic bishop who was elevated to the episcopacy less than a year-and-a-half ago. Painting with a broad brush isn’t helpful and misses distinctions.
Let’s see what Pope Leo and other bishops actually say and do. If they’re really saying and doing those things, they will be reported in places other than LifeSite, the SSPX, Martin’s Outreach, or the National Catholic Reporter. (I couldn’t find the EWTN news story that you referenced.) And, of course, let’s pray for all bishops.
Again, i do sincerely thank you for attempting to answer my questions.
EWTN broadcasted the two interview of Pope Leo with Mrs. Allen for her new book. You can find these video interviews on YouTube and elsewhere. It is disheartening, the ambiguous words chosen by the Pope on the subject of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, and the controversy about sinful unions of “gay marriage” in today’s Church. I would have much preferred stronger Catholic leadership, affirming the holiness of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, between one man and one woman– God’s exact Biblical design for humanity. The Pope (and all his clergy) must never ambiguously state, as he did in these interviews: “I believe we must change attitudes before even thinking about changing doctrine.” “To change attitudes?” Do you mean– to reject Christ’s teachings and accept “lifestyles” of serious sexual mortal sins?? Sexual sins are horrible, filthy and highly destructive! Kids need to be taught this, straight from the Bible and Catechism, and taught to daily practice the Christian virtue of Chastity well. I agree, there are many groups that “cherry pick” and “spin” — “yellow journalism.” Don’t take them seriously, always get the truth. And we must all always stand firmly on Catholic teaching, especially for the young, as well as for everyone— and help lead others to Christ.
The report from Synod Group #9, the ambiguities of “Amoris Laetitia,” the continuation (instead of abolishing) of “Fiducia Supplicans,” and the current plans to implement the Synod on Synodality worldwide, soon, in all dioceses and parishes — plus, the lack of a total condemnation and dissolution of the heretical German Synodal Way– are all huge problems facing the Church, today– and the Pope really needs to take firm action. If not, the consequences could be very dire.