[ultima ratio]

Here is a quote from Msgr. Klaus Gamber, the preeminent liturgist of the 20th century: "It can be shown that not a single predecessor of Pope Paul VI has ever introduced major changes to the Roman liturgy." He goes on to say the assertion that the pontiff may do so is debatable at the very least. (The Reform of the Roman Liturgy, p. xiii.)

The idea that the Pope can do anything he pleases and act on mere whim was explicitly rejected by Vatican I. "For the Holy Spirit was not promised to the successors of Peter that by His revelation they might disclose new doctrine, but that by His help they might guard the revelation transmitted through the apostles and the deposit of faith, and might faithfully set it forth." (Vatican Council I, canon 3.)

[sitetest]

Dear ultima ratio,

Patent proved beyond doubt yesterday (and the day before, and likely the day before that, as well), that the Supreme Pontiff has the authority and power to change the liturgy. In fact, in admitting that a minor change can be made, the argument is vitiated. Can you please argue something that hasn't been entirely refuted?

sitetest