Commentary on the False Claim that the TLM is Divisive

which Bishop Michael T. Martin assumed as a basis

for his stance against the TLM in the Diocese of Charlotte.

Bishop Michael T. Martin, referencing the motu proprio Traditionis Custodes and its accompanying letter to bishops, chose to impose restrictions on the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass. He believed that “promoting two forms of the same rite was, instead [sic], furthering division in the liturgical discipline of the Church.” Before this decision, Pope Francis had asked the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) to survey Catholic bishops worldwide about the implementation and reception of Summorum Pontificum—the 2007 motu proprio that liberalized the use of the Traditional Latin Mass.

Upon reviewing the survey responses, Pope Francis stated that they “reveal a situation that preoccupies and saddens me and persuades me of the need to intervene.” He explained that he was “constrained” by the bishops’ “requests” to revoke Summorum Pontificum and all previous norms, instructions, permissions, and customs that preceded his new decree. In his letter to the world’s bishops, Pope Francis claimed that the pastoral aims of his predecessors had “often been seriously disregarded,” and that the opportunities offered by St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI were “exploited to widen the gaps, reinforce the divergences, and encourage disagreements that injure the Church, block her path, and expose her to the peril of division.” He interpreted the survey as evidence that the existence of two forms of the Roman Rite was causing division and disagreement, and thus saw a need to centralize and restrict the Traditional Latin Mass.

However, Diane Montagna, a senior American journalist and Vatican correspondent, published an article on her Substack in July 2025 titled “Official Vatican Report Exposes Major Cracks in Foundation of Traditionis Custodes.” In this article, Montagna raised serious questions about the accuracy of Pope Francis’s interpretation of the CDF-sponsored survey. The evidence she presented challenges the rationale behind the restrictions imposed by Traditionis Custodes, suggesting that the actual survey results showed broad satisfaction with the Traditional Latin Mass—contrary to the narrative presented by Pope Francis.

Below is a summary of Montagna’s findings, based on an independent review of the five-page CDF survey summary:

Summary of Findings on the Traditional Latin Mass

  1. Majority Satisfaction:

    • Most bishops who implemented Summorum Pontificum (the previous norms allowing wider use of the Traditional Latin Mass) expressed satisfaction with its results.

    • Where bishops and clergy cooperated, the situation became peaceful and stable.

  2. Liturgical Peace and Unity:

    • Lack of unity was attributed more to a minority of bishops resistant to the Traditional Latin Mass than to its adherents.

    • In dioceses where the older form was embraced, it was seen as a treasure and a source of unity with the Church’s past.

  3. Concerns About Suppression:

    • The majority of bishops warned that suppressing or weakening Summorum Pontificum would cause more harm than good, potentially leading to division, distrust, and even schism.

  4. Young People’s Attraction:

    • Bishops observed that young people, including converts and those returning to the Church, were especially drawn to the Traditional Latin Mass for its solemnity, silence, and beauty.

  5. Growth in Vocations:

    • There was notable growth in priestly and religious vocations within communities attached to the Traditional Latin Mass, sometimes to the regret of diocesan bishops.

  6. Recommendation for Seminary Formation:

    • The report suggested that both forms of the Roman Rite should be studied in seminaries to foster unity and prepare priests for diverse liturgical needs.

  7. Freedom of Choice:

    • The CDF report concluded with the recommendation: “Let the people be free to choose,” emphasizing inclusivity and unity within the Church.

In essence:
The survey found broad satisfaction and positive fruits from the Traditional Latin Mass, especially among young Catholics and in fostering vocations. Most bishops did not support legislative changes that would restrict it, warning of negative consequences for Church unity.

 

References:

1.     Traditionis Custodes: 20210716-motu-proprio-traditionis-custodes.pdf

2.     Accompanying Letter to Traditionis Custodes: Letter of the Holy Father to the Bishops of the whole world, that accompanies the Apostolic Letter Motu Proprio data “Traditionis custodes” (16 July 2021)

3.     Diane Montagna Substack Article: EXCLUSIVE: Official Vatican Report Exposes Major Cracks in Foundation of Traditionis Custodes