Art. 4. Priests ordained after the publication of the present Motu Proprio, who wish to celebrate using the Missale Romanum of 1962, should submit a formal request to the diocesan Bishop who shall consult the Apostolic See before granting this authorization.
Perhaps this is alarming for some of today’s seminarians. It’s not like Pope Francis hasn’t set a priority for clergy to be servants of the people, shepherds with the smell of sheep. It’s been noted there are possibly more clergy willing to serve by presiding with the 1962 Missal than available communities. If so, then it seems about right for bishops to assess the balance in his diocese.
What would a bishop and the Apostolic See possibly check on in a new priest? I’d think social media comments, his facility in Latin and liturgy, and rolling back to the first check: his political views in the Church. Basically: does he embrace Vatican II and its reforms?
The approved English translation is here.
