Pope’s inauguration gives hope for return of Latin Mass

THE visit tomorrow by Pope Benedict XVI to the Benedictine Basilica of St. Paul’s in Rome will give heart to traditionalists anxious to see a return to greater use of the Latin rite in celebrating Mass.

Known as St-Paul-Outside-The-Walls, it is here that the ancient language of the Catholic Church is given particular reverence. Because of this, the Pope’s visit takes on an added significance.

As a cardinal, he coined the phrase “reform of the reform”, referring to the need to rein in some of the chaos, as he sees it, that has resulted from Vatican II. That is likely to mean that Father Trendies and their folk Masses may be curtailed. It could also see a resurgence in the use of the Tridentine rite.