Archbishop Georg Gänswein criticises Pope Francis over SSPX and Latin Mass

Archbishop Georg Gänswein, former secretary to Pope Benedict XVI and now apostolic nuncio to the Baltic states, said Pope Francis has erred in restricting the traditional Latin Mass and in handling the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX). He recalled that Benedict XVI tried to reconcile with the SSPX in 2009, writing a hand‑signed letter to bishops, but the offer was rejected.

Gänswein warned that the current leadership is even more entrenched, describing the situation as "truly frightening" and "terrifying". He argued that the restrictions on the Tridentine Mass introduced by Francis are a mistake, noting that the earlier motu proprio *Summorum Pontificum* yielded ten years of positive experience. He called for greater flexibility and openness in the celebration of the Latin liturgy, asserting that the SSPX issue is not merely liturgical but also theological.

The archbishop expressed disappointment that the bridge built by Benedict XVI has not been restored and warned that the hard‑line faction within the Church continues to reject reconciliation.