Pope targets old Latin Mass with new limits on sacraments

Pope Francis said in July he had to reverse course because Benedict’s decision had divided the church and been exploited by conservatives on ideological grounds

Pope Francis delivers his blessing as he recites the Angelus noon prayer from the window of his studio overlooking St Peter's Square in at the Vatican. Picture: AP Photo/Andrew Medichini

Pope Francis has redoubled his efforts to quash the old Latin Mass, forbidding the celebration of some sacraments according to the ancient rite in his latest salvo against conservatives and traditionalists.

The Vatican’s liturgy office issued a document that clarified some questions that arose in July after Francis took the extraordinary step of reimposing restrictions on celebrating the so-called Tridentine Rite.