The Resigning Prefect of the Liturgy Speaks Out

The remarks of the head of the liturgy at the Vatican – who resigned on March 6 – once again illustrate the limitations of an approach dictated more by ideology than by a true pastoral vision serving the common good of the Church.

"Sic transit gloria mundi.” The Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (DCDDS) should soon have time to reflect on what the sovereign pontiffs were once told on their coronation day. Having reached the fateful age of 75 on March 6, 2025, Cardinal Arthur Roche knows that his days are now numbered.

It is a final milestone that the high-ranking prelate chose to mark with an interview given to the generally conservative newspaper The Catholic Herald. The interview is quite symbolic from a clergyman who will be remembered in history particularly for his constant opposition to the traditional Roman liturgy. 

In any case, Roche has adopted a more nuanced tone toward the faithful disposed toward the pre-conciliar liturgy, even if it means resorting to ambiguity: "It is often said that I am opposed to the Latin Mass. Well, if only my detractors knew that I celebrate the Latin Mass almost every day," he declares, omitting to specify that he celebrates only according to the reformed rite of Paul VI, and not according to the 1962 missal. The focus of the interview revolves around the Traditional Mass and the restrictions imposed by Traditionis Custodes, a motu proprio promulgated by Pope Francis in 2021. Asked about the popularity of the ancient rite among young Catholics, Cardinal Roche reassures his readers by emphasizing that "there is nothing wrong with attending the Mass celebrated with the 1962 missal."

It is a rhetorical concession immediately tempered by a clarification: “For very good reasons, the Church, through conciliar legislation, decided to move away from what had become an overly elaborate form of celebrating the Mass,” based on the spirit of reform that prevailed during the Second Vatican Council. A spirit for which the head of the Church's liturgy reiterates that he is the "guarantor."

In passing, Cardinal Sarah's successor at the DCDDS took the opportunity to downplay the attachment to the traditional Latin Mass: "One of the things that has been very interesting to me is observing this situation worldwide. The numbers devoted to the traditional Latin Mass are, in reality, quite small, but some of the groups are quite clamorous. They are more noticeable because they make their voices heard." 

The Catholic Herald also discusses the Synod on Synodality, in which Cardinal Roche sees an opportunity: "I would never have thought of synodality in the way it has now been conceived because of Pope Francis. It is an immense gift to the Church because I believe it teaches us to listen very carefully to people, rather than simply becoming aggressive apologists." These remarks are, after all, conventional at a time when it is fashionable to attack "proselytism" in all its forms.

This interview serves as a final statement for the man who will soon be leaving office. Through remarks that are likely intended to appear calming, the high prelate is probably seeking to erase some of the most divisive aspects of his tenure.