When the newly elected Pope Leo emerged on the balcony of St Peter’s dressed in traditional papal choir dress (red mozzetta, rochet and stole, etc.) there was much comment. Does this indicate a more “traditional” agenda, particularly liturgically, some asked. Is it a subtle, public repudiation of the previous pontificate, others opined – with hope or concern, according to their sensitivities.
It seems to have been neither. The election of a pope is a liturgical rite with given directives. The new Pope simply followed what was laid down, with that calm dignity with which we have become accustomed to see him carry out the duties of his office, particularly in celebrating the Sacred Liturgy. That is what is required, so that is what he did.
