Pope Francis cracks down on old Latin Mass, reverses decision of Pope Benedict XVI in a challenge to traditionalists

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has cracked down on the celebration of the old Latin Mass by reversing one of Pope Benedict XVI’s signature decisions. Francis on Friday reimposed restrictions on celebrating the Latin Mass that Benedict had relaxed in 2007. He said he was doing so because Benedict’s reform had become a source of division. Francis issued a new law requiring individual bishops to approve celebrations of the old Tridentine Mass. His move is a major challenge to traditionalist Catholics, and some immediately decried it as a devastating attack. Others, however, said Francis was right to intervene, noting that Benedict’s original decision had had a slew of unintended consequences.