- Desire for general reform did not come about suddenly, but had been evident in the actions of successive Popes since the beginning of the twentieth century, in keeping with the demands of the Liturgical Movement.
- The reform aimed to allow the liturgy to shine forth as ‘the primary source of that divine exchange in which the life of God is communicated to us.’
- Sacrosanctum Concilium made it clear that “the liturgy is made up of immutable elements divinely instituted, and of elements subject to change.”
- The Council teaches that liturgical services are not private functions, but are celebrations of the Church, which is the ‘sacrament of unity,’ namely, the holy people united and ordered under their bishops.
- Leo XIV explains that a correct understanding of the liturgical reform also enables us to reject the abuses that occurred in certain sectors of the Church during the post-Conciliar period, and which, unfortunately, still occur from time to time today.
Pope Leo XIV articulated the significance of the Vatican II liturgical reform, asserting it is rooted in the Church's living tradition. He emphasized that the liturgy is a living entity, evolving through time, and referenced *Sacrosanctum Concilium*, which states that the liturgy comprises both immutable elements and elements subject to change.56
The Pope noted that the reform's goal is to allow the liturgy to serve as the primary source of divine exchange, facilitating a deeper connection between the faithful and God. He pointed out that the desire for a general reform has been evident since the early 20th century, aligning with the Liturgical Movement.
Leo XIV stressed that liturgical services are communal celebrations, not private functions, reinforcing the Church's unity under its bishops. He warned against the abuses that emerged post-Conciliar, where some principles of the reform were misinterpreted or taken to extremes. He concluded that a correct understanding of the liturgical reform is essential to reject these abuses and maintain the integrity of the liturgy as a vehicle for divine teaching and a dialogue with God.910
“The reform's goal was to let the liturgy shine as 'the primary source of that divine exchange in which the life of God is communicated to us,' per Paul VI. Leo XIV also notes that a correct understanding helps reject post-conciliar abuses that still occur today.”
