Pope Francis’s unexpected overture
SIR – Michael Warren Davis (US news analysis, March 22) notes that dozens of US bishops have quietly permitted priests of the Society of St Pius X (SSPX) to celebrate nuptial Masses in their dioceses. He cites the example of Archdiocese of New Orleans, which announced the new policy with a minimum of fanfare.
Pope Francis is often referred to as “the pope of surprises”. Nothing, for me, has been more surprising than his encouragement of efforts to reconcile the SSPX fully with Rome. Just this week it was reported that he has appointed a distinguished French priest to oversee the Vatican’s outreach to the Society. Mgr Patrick Descourtieux, a Patristics scholar who is highly respected in traditionalist circles, previously worked at Ecclesia Dei, the pontifical commission responsible for relations with the SSPX until it was abolished in January. His appointment is another sign that Rome under Francis is serious about drawing the group back into the fold.
