I WELCOME Pope Benedict’s decision to loosen restrictions on the use of the Latin Mass. Vatican II, in fact, never called for the elimination of Latin. The Pope’s decision, therefore, is meant to foster a more comprehensive and profound understanding of the Church’s liturgy.

Pope Benedict is issuing a document today that will sanction the celebration of the Tridentine mass by members of the clergy.

A Vatican official has confirmed that Pope Benedict XVI plans to loosen restrictions on celebrating the old Latin Mass, reviving a rite that was essentially swept away by the revolutionary reforms of the Second Vatican Council.