[Mike Fieschko]

I expect Pope Benedict to restore to the Liturgy solemnity, beauty and authenticity.

You have high expectations.

Unfortunately, for as long as the Vatican allows local bishops free reign regarding the Mass, authority which since the Council has been the norm, there will be no restoration.

Whatever his reputation at the CDF, on the faith, tinkering with or challenging local authority over the Mass is a different matter altogether. My expectation is that the bishops and the chancery bureaucracies will continue as before.

[Salvation]

I think we will definitely see steps in restoring the liturgy. The thing I think we need to remember is that it took a long time to break down and it will take a long time to build it back up.

Maybe we should contact our individual bishops/archbishops!

[SuziQ]

My expectation is that the bishops and the chancery bureaucracies will continue as before.

But from now, until his death, HE will be doing the choosing of Bishops!

[bornacatholic]

Maybe my statements reflect more my hope than realistic possibilities. But, aim for the orthodox stars, I say :)

I do know our new Pope is a liturgical genius whose statements about the Liturgy were remarkable given Pope John Paul the Great's orientation re the Pauline Rite