Words matter

One of the late Pope Benedict XV1’s most controversial reforms was that of English in the liturgy. A new translation of the Missal was published by Vox Clara, a commission appointed by him and headed up by the late Cardinal Pell.

The work of the commission was largely welcomed by traditionalist Catholics but lamented by many English-speaking liturgists, congregations, priests, and religious around the world.

In this, part three of an interview with Pat Coyle of Irish Jesuit Communications on the legacy of Pope Benedict XV1, Irish Jesuit theologian Jim Corkery discusses this particular liturgical reform and its fallout. He also discusses the mellowing of Benedict in older age, toward the end of his papacy.