This July, Pope Francis largely rescinded permission for priests to celebrate the so-called “Extraordinary Form” of the Roman Rite, also known as the Tridentine Mass. The move generated considerable controversy, especially among Catholics in the United States.

On this episode, longtime Commonweal contributing writer Rita Ferrone draws on her extensive knowledge of liturgical history to explain the logic—and in her view, the wisdom—of Francis’s decision.

For further reading:

• “A Living Catholic Tradition,” by Rita Ferrone
• “The Limits of ‘Traditionis Custodes,’” by Massimo Faggioli
• “The Liturgy Wars,” by Paul Baumann