Pope Leo XIV confronts Latin Mass dispute amid accusations of communist affiliations

Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected pontiff, has become the focus of two concurrent controversies. A commentary by Michael Hitchborn of the Lepanto Institute alleges that Leo has past connections to communist‑affiliated organisations, prompting debate among Catholics about how his background aligns with his role as defender of the faith.

At the same time, the Vatican’s internal liturgical conflict has resurfaced. Pope Francis’ 2021 decree restricting the traditional Latin Mass remains in force, and the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) was excommunicated after consecrating bishops without papal approval. Cardinals and archbishops, including Cardinal Arthur Roche and Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, have publicly argued over whether the older rite should receive broader access, highlighting a deepening schism within the Church.