Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Chur (Switzerland), Monsignor Marian Eleganti, considers that the marginalization of the traditional Mass within the Church “has been institutionalized” and warns that the growth of movements of the faithful, especially young people, linked to the traditional liturgy “cannot be stopped from above.”
In an interview granted this Wednesday to AdVaticanum, the prelate calls on Rome to reopen the debate on liturgical reform, although he maintains his rejection of the episcopal consecrations carried out by the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X (FSSPX) and maintains that it is in a state of schism.
The interview revisits several issues on which Eleganti has spoken during recent months: the restrictions on the Vetus Ordo, the situation of the FSSPX after the consecrations of July 1, the continuity of the synodal process under Leo XIV, and the contemporary way of exercising the Petrine ministry.
On this last matter, InfoVaticana published on August 11 a broad reflection by the bishop himself on what he considers an excessive media personalization of the papacy.
“Ignoring criticism is not a solution”
Eleganti regrets that the liturgical question has not occupied a relevant place in the extraordinary consistories held this year and considers it necessary for the cardinals to examine the criticisms made of the liturgical reform after the Second Vatican Council.
“I think we should take the criticisms of the liturgical reform seriously and re-examine the issue,” he states. In his view, the cardinals should begin that analysis in an upcoming consistory instead of continuing to postpone it: “Ignoring the criticisms and pretending that everything is fine is not a solution.”
The prelate links the current situation with Traditionis custodes, the motu proprio promulgated by Francis in 2021 that restricted celebration according to the liturgical books prior to the reform.
Eleganti maintains that there is a will not to modify those restrictions and again questions the interpretation given to the prior consultation carried out with the bishops.
According to the Swiss bishop, the survey did not show that the worldwide episcopate was calling for stricter measures against the traditional liturgy, but rather that the majority of prelates were satisfied with the situation established by Benedict XVI through Summorum Pontificum.
“Movements from below cannot be stopped from above”
Asked about the continued interest that the traditional Mass arouses among young people, Eleganti responds affirmatively when AdVaticanum asks him whether the marginalization of the ancient rite has ended up becoming institutionalized.
The bishop considers, however, that this policy will find a response: “There will be a reaction. Grassroots movements that arise from below cannot be stopped from above.”
For Eleganti, the hierarchy must offer a pastoral and theological response to those who find in the traditional liturgy the silence, reverence, and solemnity they seek. “Not giving a response is a bad response,” he summarizes.
His position maintains the line he already expressed in April, when he described the post-conciliar liturgical reform as a reconstruction that had entailed significant losses and defended that the traditional and reformed rites could coexist without becoming ideological battlefields.
The FSSPX “is not the solution”
The defense of a review of Rome’s liturgical policy does not lead Eleganti to support the path taken by the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X.
After the episcopal consecrations carried out by the FSSPX on July 1 without a pontifical mandate, the bishop maintains the judgment he had expressed before they took place.
Eleganti considers that the Fraternity is in a state of schism and rejects that it can become an alternative for Catholics dissatisfied with the liturgical reform.
“The FSSPX is not the solution,” he states. At the same time, he issues a warning to the hierarchy: “We should not push into their arms the faithful who are dissatisfied with the liturgical reform or with what they frequently see in parishes.”
Eleganti’s argument thus establishes a distinction between the two issues. On the one hand, he considers legitimate and in need of response the criticisms of the liturgical reform and the restrictions on the Vetus Ordo.
On the other, he rejects episcopal consecrations without a pontifical mandate and the constitution of an episcopal structure outside Rome.
Eleganti also does not see a correction of synodality under Leo XIV
The interview also addresses the synodal process and its continuity during the pontificate of Leo XIV. Asked whether he sees any rectification regarding the model developed during the pontificate of Francis, Eleganti responds: “No, unfortunately not.”
The bishop maintains that the synods convened under Francis introduced a form of participation that has no equivalent in the previous tradition of these assemblies. His objection focuses especially on the incorporation of laypeople into decision-making functions alongside bishops.
In his view, the problem arises when synodality ceases to consist of consulting and listening and moves into the realm of ecclesial governance. Eleganti considers that this process “undermines the sacramental leadership of the Church” and states that he does not see it producing a true spiritual renewal.
His statements come as Leo XIV continues to expressly support synodality. Last week, the Pontiff told religious sisters from the United States that members of consecrated life are called to become “experts in synodality” and valued the methods of listening, dialogue, and discernment used in their assemblies.
“More teaching, fewer informal statements”
Eleganti also develops in the interview his recent criticism of the growing public exposure of pontiffs, although it is a matter on which he had already spoken at length.
The prelate now summarizes his proposal for the Petrine ministry in a formula: “More teaching, fewer informal statements; more quiet governance of the Curia, fewer public audiences and fewer trips; more dignity of the office, less personal style.”
He considers that the Pope should have more time for prayer, study, reflection, and effective governance of the Curia and reduce those public activities that are not directly related to those responsibilities.
“The unity of the Church lies in the unity of the faith”
At the end of the interview, Eleganti places the doctrinal question as the priority for the Western Church. “The unity of the Church lies in the unity of the faith,” he states.
From this premise, he calls on the Pope to clearly exercise his function of safeguarding and teaching the faith, to intervene against heresies and abuses, and to avoid increasing the bureaucratization of the Church through new procedures and documents.
Eleganti concludes by synthesizing what, in his view, should occupy the center of any ecclesial reform: “He must teach the simple Gospel, proclaim Jesus Christ and nothing more.” And he adds: “Jesus Christ is the solution. This is what we must offer the world.”