Pope Leo XIV has summoned the cardinals to an extraordinary consistory on June 27–28, 2026. The central topic will be liturgy—an issue left pending since last January's consistory. The Church is taking firm steps toward a deep reflection on how to celebrate the faith, and this meeting promises to be a milestone in Leo XIV's pontificate.
Many wonder whether the new pope will maintain the restrictions on the Tridentine Mass imposed by Francis in Traditionis custodes (2021). So far, Leo XIV has given no clear signals, but his recent meeting with two scholars studying traditionalist Catholics in the United States suggests he is personally interested in the matter.
The Pope Who Wants to Understand Tradition
According to the biography Leo XIV: Missionary Pope of a Globalized Church, published in French in November 2025, the pontiff admitted he was not deeply familiar with the Tridentine Mass. He even thought it might be similar to the Mass of Paul VI celebrated in Latin. However, he promised to look into it more thoroughly—and he kept his word. On March 5, 2026, he received in a private audience Stephen Bullivant and Stephen Cranney, authors of the book Trads: Latin Mass Catholics in the United States, to be published by Oxford University Press.
Bullivant is a professor of Theology and Sociology of Religion at St Mary's University (London) and directs the Benedict XVI Centre for Religion and Society. Cranney is a data scientist with doctorates in demography and sociology, a researcher at Baylor University. Their study combines quantitative and qualitative data to profile the faithful who attend the traditional Latin Mass.
What Does the Bible Say About Worship?
The discussion about the form of the liturgy is nothing new. In John 4:23–24, Jesus says:
"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." (ESV)This passage reminds us that the center of worship is not the rite itself, but the attitude of the heart. Both the traditional and the modern Mass can be vehicles for encountering God if celebrated with faith and devotion.
The Profile of Traditionalist Catholics
The study by Bullivant and Cranney reveals fascinating data. Attendees of the Tridentine Mass tend to be young families with strong catechetical commitment and active sacramental lives. Many have rediscovered faith through the beauty of the ancient liturgy. However, there are also those who feel marginalized by the restrictions imposed in recent years.
Pope Leo XIV, known for his pastoral and missionary style, seeks to balance the unity of the Church with the legitimate diversity of liturgical expressions. In a recent letter to bishops, he wrote: "The liturgy is the source and summit of Christian life. We cannot allow it to become a battlefield. We must walk together, respecting the traditions that have nourished the faith of so many, without losing sight of the need for a celebration that is understandable and participatory for all."
What to Expect from the June Consistory?
The consistory is expected to address three key points: the status of the Tridentine Mass, liturgical formation of the clergy, and the promotion of a liturgy that is both faithful to tradition and open to the signs of the times. Some cardinals have expressed a desire for greater freedom to celebrate the old Mass, while others call for maintaining restrictions to avoid divisions.
Leo XIV, with his dialoguing style, will likely seek a consensus that
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