A Surge of Hope: Recent News in the World of the Traditional Latin Mass
- tlm-friends
- Nov 17
- 3 min read
The last few weeks have brought some genuinely encouraging developments for Catholics who love the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM). From the heart of the Vatican to local dioceses in the US, there are signs that a new, more pastoral approach to the TLM community is taking shape.
Here’s a look at the most important, high-profile news from Rome and the US:
Rome Opens the Doors: A Historic Mass
The biggest news by far came directly from St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
A Mass of Encouragement
On October 25, 2025, Cardinal Raymond L. Burke was given personal permission by Pope Leo XIV to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass at the Altar of the Chair.
Why is this such a big deal?
A Symbol of Welcome: For the past two years, the annual Ad Petri Sedem pilgrimage—a large gathering of TLM faithful—had not been allowed to celebrate in St. Peter’s.
A New Chapter: This celebration, attended by thousands, was seen by many traditional Catholics as the "first concrete indication" that the new Pope might be taking a more welcoming and pastoral approach to the communities devoted to the ancient Mass. It felt like a warm gesture from the highest levels of the Church.
Policy Clarification: Hope for the Future
While the previous papal document (Traditionis Custodes) is still in place, the Vatican offered a significant clarification that offers practical hope for our communities.
Officials confirmed that Pope Leo XIV is now granting two-year, renewable dispensations (permissions) to bishops who ask for them. This means that if your local bishop asks Rome, the TLM can continue to be celebrated in parish churches—a key freedom that had been restricted. This system of extensions brings a much-needed sense of stability to local TLM communities.
Local Bishops Seek Stability
Following the news from Rome, some US dioceses have been acting to secure the future of the TLM locally.
Extensions are Being Granted! The Diocese of Cleveland recently confirmed that they received a two-year extension of permission from the Holy See. This means the TLM can continue at two of their parish churches, securing the Mass for those communities for the foreseeable future. This shows that the process works!
A Mixed Picture: Other dioceses, like Knoxville and Charlotte, have recently had to follow the current policy by either setting a date for the Mass to cease or restricting it to a single chapel. This shows that while we celebrate the positive moves, the situation still relies heavily on individual bishops and ongoing communication with Rome.
A Time to Pray and Stay Positive
While the path forward for the Traditional Latin Mass is still being worked out, the celebration in St. Peter’s Basilica and the granting of two-year extensions are truly good signs. They suggest a desire from the Church leadership to be more flexible and supportive of the faithful who cherish the beauty and tradition of the TLM.
Now is the time for us to redouble our prayers for our bishops and for the Holy Father, asking that the rich heritage of the TLM may continue to nourish and strengthen the Church.
What YOU Can Do!
Remember that whole "pray and stay positive" paragraph you just read? Yeah, DO all that! In addition, please consider doing this as well:
Write the Holy Father!
The postage is less than two bucks. Be positive. Be respectful. Encourage him to be as generous as possible when it comes to issuing dispensations for local TLMs.
Here's the address and the postage costs less than two bucks (just 3x Forever stamps):
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV
00120 Vatican City, Italy, Europe
Want additional writing tips (proper form of address, stuff like that)? Check out this article:
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This is great news. I hope that our Bishop would be amenable to this.