‘Guardians of Tradition’

The following is the official English text of the Apostolic Letter issued Motu Proprio “Traditionis Custodes”, which was released on Friday morning, 16 July, on the use of the Roman Liturgy prior to the reform of 1970. APOSTOLIC LETTER ISSUED “MOTU PROPRIO” BY THE SUPREME PONTIFF FRANCIS “TRADITIONIS CUSTODES” ON THE USE OF THE ROMAN LITURGY PRIOR TO THE REFORM OF 1970 Guardians of the tradition, the bishops in communion with the Bishop of Rome constitute the visible principle and foundation of the unity of their particular Churches.1 Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, through the proclamation of the Gospel and by means of the celebration of the Eucharist, they govern the particular Churches entrusted to them.2 In order to promote the concord and unity of the Church, with paternal solicitude towards those who in any region adhere ...