Rome & the World: close ally of pope celebrates Latin Mass

Every day, Aleteia offers a selection of articles written by the international press about the Church and the major issues that concern Catholics around the world. The opinions and views expressed in these articles are not those of the editors.

Wednesday 2 November 2022
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1. Why did Cardinal Zuppi say a ‘Tridentine’ Mass?
2. Church hopes for reconciliation of Brazilians after Lula’s election
3. There is a need for Islamic dialogue, says Cardinal Fitzgerald
4. Parishioners attack priest’s house after clumsy homily
5. The Italian soccer player Ciro Immobile opens up about his faith
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1Why did Cardinal Zuppi perform a ‘Tridentine’ ceremony?

Although often categorized as progressive, Cardinal Zuppi, a member of the Sant’Egidio Community and close to the Pope, caused surprise in traditionalist circles when he agreed to preside over Vespers at the Summorum Pontificum pilgrimage in Rome on October 28. The pilgrimage is named after Benedict XVI’s 2007 apostolic letter expanding the right of priests to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass. This rite has become more contentious, especially since Pope Francis issued the Motu Proprio Traditionis Custodes in 2021, which reversed the openness allowed by his predecessor. Hence the surprise of many to see the Archbishop of Bologna implicitly give visible support to those who advocate a broader use of this Mass, as he is considered by observers to be Francis’ close ally in the Church in Italy, especially since becoming president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference in the spring. However, Cardinal Zuppi’s participation corresponds to his positions and actions taken so far, points out Vatican journalist Andrea Gagliarducci in an analysis article published in Catholic News Agency. In fact the Cardinal, although authentically aligned with the pontiff and obedient, judged that the traditionalist community in his diocese did not pose a problem and he quickly took steps to allow it to continue to exist, while respecting Roman directives. A “pragmatic solution,” according to the Italian journalist, who distinguishes Zuppi from other cardinals who were quick to adopt a harder line.

Catholic News Agency, English

2Church hopes for reconciliation of Brazilians after Lula’s election

“The fiercest presidential campaign in Brazil’s history.” This is how Crux journalist, Eduardo Campos Lima, describes the electoral process that ended last Sunday with the election of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as Brazil’s leader. The day after the results, even as supporters of incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro blocked roads and protested, the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) issued a statement calling on the people to reconcile and seek the common good. “The conclusion of the 2022 elections summons us, even more, to reconciliation, essential to the new cycle that is opening. Now, everyone, without distinction, needs to accompany, demand and supervise those who have achieved success at the polls. The exercise of citizenship does not end with the end of the electoral process,” wrote the Brazilian bishops. Contacted by Crux, Bishop Adriano Ciocca Casino, of São Félix, in the state of Mato Grosso, said that “most of Bolsonaro’s electors are not fanatic and after the dust settles a dialogue will be possible.” The rift between the two political leaders is very visible in São Félix, as it is located in the Amazon region, which is economically dominated by agribusiness whose proponents heavily support Bolsonaro. The Bishop testifies to the violence of the campaign during which a pro-Lula priest, for example, was insulted on social networks. Archbishop Roque Paloschi of Porto Velho, in the state of Rondônia, instead told Crux that the time for reconciliation has now come. He explained how many roads in his region were blocked by pro-Bolsonaro demonstrators when the results were announced. “I believe that the order will prevail, and that people will be calmer and accept the election’s outcome. Catholics have to be wise and careful, avoiding aggressiveness and revenge,” he explained, while inviting Christians to remember the prayer of St. Francis: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”

Crux, English

3. There is a need for Islamic dialogue, says Cardinal Fitzgerald

In light of Pope Francis’ trip to Bahrain, English Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald, former president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, discusses the importance of dialogue with other religions and especially with Islam.

The Pillar, English

4. Parishioners attack priest’s house after clumsy homily

The Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela calls the community to dialogue after parishioners threw stones at the house of their parish priest. They reproached him for having declared that the deaths in shipwrecks at sea were due to the lack of faith of the sailors.

Vida Nueva Digital, Spanish

5. The Italian soccer player Ciro Immobile opens up about his faith

Ciro Immobile had a dream in his heart: to become a soccer player. Today he is a top player, but above all a man, a husband, and a father whose life is inspired by the values of sport and Christianity.

Formiche, Italian