Pope has audience with bishop whose pastoral ministry exclusively dedicated to Latin Mass

The Pope has had an audience with the only bishop in the world whose pastoral ministry is exclusively dedicated to the Traditional Latin Mass.

On 15 November, the Holy Father received Bishop Fernando Arêas Rifan, titular of Cedamusa and apostolic administrator of the personal apostolic administration of Saint John Vianney, according to the Holy See Press Office.

Though listed among the ordinary audiences, the encounter carries a weight that exceeds its brief notice. Bishop Rifan, who turns 75 shortly, occupies a position found nowhere else in the Catholic world. While several groups and institutes celebrate the Old Rite within the structures of Rome, Bishop Rifam remains the only bishop whose entire pastoral ministry is centred on the Traditional Latin Mass.