Overview
- Pope Leo XIV held a General Audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday where he continued a catechetical series on the Second Vatican Council by focusing on Sacrosanctum Concilium.
- He said reforms must retain “sound tradition” while allowing legitimate progress, describing the liturgy as a living tradition that can develop without breaking continuity.
- The pope urged priests and liturgy planners to respect liturgical texts and norms and said any revision of rites must be preceded by careful theological, historical and pastoral study to avoid confusing the faithful.
- He closed the audience with a prayer and an appeal for peace, expressing concern for recent intensification of the war in Ukraine and solidarity with civilians affected by attacks.
- The address cited Pius XII, John Paul II and Benedict XVI to place the teaching in a multi‑pontifical line, clarified that no new liturgical directives were announced, and underscored the Vatican’s push for orderly reform amid ongoing tensions with traditionalist groups.