Cardinal Lehmann questions Benedict XVI's liturgical changes

The Tablet (UK)
June 27, 2013

Cardinal Karl Lehmann of Mainz has criticised two major liturgical changes introduced by Pope Benedict XVI.

The former president of the German bishops' conference said that he did not think the co-existence of the old-rite liturgy alongside the new was a good idea, and that the proposed change in the German Missal from saying Christ died "for all" to "for many" was a sign of Rome trying to appease traditionalists.

He complained there were now more Tridentine Masses on offer than there was demand for and questioned the motives of fans of the old-rite Mass. He said enthusiasm for the Tridentine Mass seemed to have "a lot to do with prestige".

Lehmann also questioned why Rome was changing the translation of pro multis to "for many", noting that Pope Benedict had said that both translations were legitimate.