Pope Leo’s remarkable gesture in allowing Cardinal Raymond Burke to celebrate the 1962 pre-Vatican II rite of Mass in St Peter’s Basilica has been the subject of a great deal of comment online across the Catholic media.

This Mass took place amidst triumphant pomp and splendour on October 25 of this year.

A gesture of liturgical hospitality

It may be true that this generous act of liturgical hospitality will bring to an end the frankly disedifying level of abuse hurled at the late Pope Francis.

After reflection about the hostility of a well-funded minority towards pro-Vatican II bishops, priests and parishes, Francis decided to row back the legislation of his predecessor Benedict XVI.

Benedict had hoped that by allowing any priest to decide *sua sponte* to introduce the pre-Vatican II rite in his parish, there would be a “mutual enrichment” of both rites.

Cardinal Burke’s renewed role

Cardinal Burke’s personal triumph gives him the opportunity to rebuild bridges between the traditionalist clerics and the Holy See.

And therefore with the vast majority of the Roman Catholic Church to which they belong.

The Vatican wishes to avoid at all costs any further breach within the church.

Awaiting the long-term impact

It will take several months to review the outcome of this event.

Will it lead to acceptance that — apart from specialised rites such as Ambrosian, Mozarabic, Zaire, and the rites of the Eastern Catholic churches — there have been three Rites of Mass authorised during the pontificate of Benedict XVI?

Novus Ordo updated, Ordinariate Rite, and the 1962 Rite with changes authorised by Benedict XVI?

Will those who condemn the New Rite accept that Cardinal Burke’s initiative indicates a desire to heal rather than to further wound the unity of the church?

Or will this moment be regarded as a triumph for traditionalists who will see it as an endorsement for further hostility?

Pope Leo’s hope for unity

Pope Leo XIV is fully aware of the principle to promote full, conscious and active participation by all of the faithful in the life of the church and in the celebration of the liturgy.

Let us hope that his invitation to Cardinal Burke will move the Cardinal to an even greater commitment towards the unity for which we all strive.

• Fr Andrew Cameron Mowat SJ, a priest of the British Province of the Society of Jesus, a liturgist and parish priest of a large London parish.