Posted on 09/14/2025 2:13:56 PM PDT by ebb tide
The Catholic Herald has secured an exclusive response from Cardinal Gambetti on the future of the Traditional Latin Mass.
The young curial cardinal, regarded by many as a handpicked protégé of Pope Francis, offered a brief but telling reply. The Catholic Herald asked the Cardinal whether we could inquire about the Traditional Latin Mass and its future status. He responded: “Better not answer that. I have been told that we will wait for the Holy Father to decide.”
The remark is notable for its clarity in signalling that the College of Cardinals is awaiting direction from the Pope himself. While other cardinals have in recent months expressed personal views on the future of the liturgy, Cardinal Gambetti stressed the need to leave the question in the hands of the Holy Father.
Cardinal Gambetti is an unusual figure in the Catholic hierarchy. He was created cardinal by Pope Francis without first serving as a bishop, having previously been a Conventual Franciscan friar. His elevation was widely seen as a personal decision by the Pope, who entrusted him with significant curial responsibilities despite his relative youth, as the third-youngest cardinal in the College.
Members of the Conventual Franciscan community described Cardinal Gambetti as an obedient man of authority. Speaking in confidence to the Catholic Herald, these members explained that his loyalty to the Holy Father is well known, yet he has also been quietly supportive of the Latin Mass within his own religious community. They also pointed out that during his time overseeing the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi, he both encouraged and permitted celebrations of the Latin Mass.
Cardinal Gambetti’s reputation in the Vatican is of one who avoids overt political manoeuvring. He is known for keeping a distance from the more contentious debates within the Church, preferring pastoral concerns. Nevertheless, those close to him say he is not afraid to engage when necessary.
The comments raised by the Cardinal suggest that even among the most loyal supporters of Pope Francis, the future of the traditional liturgy is seen not as a matter of personal preference but as one awaiting the Pope’s decision. Despite varying views, all ultimately look to the Holy Father to provide clarity.
For now, the fate of the Latin Mass remains in the balance. The only certainty is that the Church awaits a definitive judgement from the Pope himself.
Today is the Feast Day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross:
Constantine was still wavering between Christianity and idolatry when a luminous cross appeared to him in the heavens, bearing the inscription, “In this sign shalt thou conquer.” He became a Christian, and triumphed over his enemies, who were at the same time the enemies of the Faith. A few years later, his saintly mother having found the cross on which Our Savior suffered, the feast of the “Exaltation” was established in the Church; but it was only at a later period still, namely, after the Emperor Heraclius had achieved three great and wondrous victories over Chosroes, King of Persia, who had possessed himself of the holy and precious relic, that this festival took a more general extension, and was invested with a higher character of solemnity. The feast of the “Finding” was thereupon instituted, in memory of the discovery made by St. Helena; and that of the “Exaltation” was reserved to celebrate the triumphs of Heraclius. The greatest power of the Catholic world was at that time centered in the Empire of the East, and was verging toward its ruin, when God put forth His hand to save it: the re-establishment of the great cross at Jerusalem was the sure pledge thereof. This great event occurred in 629.
Reflection—Herein is found the accomplishment of the Savior’s word: “If I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all things to Myself.”
Our priest talked about that at todays mass!
Prayers up!
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