Exclusive: Cardinal Gambetti says we’re waiting on the Pope to decide on the Latin Mass

The Catholic Herald has secured an exclusive response from Cardinal Gambetti on the future of the Traditional Latin Mass.

The young curial cardinal, regarded by many as a handpicked protégé of Pope Francis, offered a brief but telling reply. The Catholic Herald asked the Cardinal whether we could inquire about the Traditional Latin Mass and its future status. He responded: “Better not answer that. I have been told that we will wait for the Holy Father to decide.”

The remark is notable for its clarity in signalling that the College of Cardinals is awaiting direction from the Pope himself. While other cardinals have in recent months expressed personal views on the future of the liturgy, Cardinal Gambetti stressed the need to leave the question in the hands of the Holy Father.

Cardinal Gambetti is an unusual figure in the Catholic hierarchy. He was created cardinal by Pope Francis without first serving as a bishop, having previously been a Conventual Franciscan friar. His elevation was widely seen as a personal decision by the Pope, who entrusted him with significant curial responsibilities despite his relative youth, as the third-youngest cardinal in the College.

Members of the Conventual Franciscan community described Cardinal Gambetti as an obedient man of authority. Speaking in confidence to the Catholic Herald, these members explained that his loyalty to the Holy Father is well known, yet he has also been quietly supportive of the Latin Mass within his own religious community. They also pointed out that during his time overseeing the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi, he both encouraged and permitted celebrations of the Latin Mass.

Cardinal Gambetti’s reputation in the Vatican is of one who avoids overt political manoeuvring. He is known for keeping a distance from the more contentious debates within the Church, preferring pastoral concerns. Nevertheless, those close to him say he is not afraid to engage when necessary.

The comments raised by the Cardinal suggest that even among the most loyal supporters of Pope Francis, the future of the traditional liturgy is seen not as a matter of personal preference but as one awaiting the Pope’s decision. Despite varying views, all ultimately look to the Holy Father to provide clarity.

For now, the fate of the Latin Mass remains in the balance. The only certainty is that the Church awaits a definitive judgement from the Pope himself.

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