Pope Francis biographer calls Cardinal Sarah's language on the Traditional Latin Mass 'incendiary'

Austen Ivereigh, a biographer of Pope Francis, has criticized Cardinal Robert Sarah for using "incendiary" and "belligerent" language about the restrictions placed on the Traditional Latin Mass. The exchange began on September 1, 2026, when Ivereigh challenged Sarah's remarks. The cardinal had said the Church "cannot declare war" on Catholics devoted to the Traditional Latin Mass, also known as the TLM.

Sarah, the former prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, made the comments in an interview with the Italian newspaper Il Giornale in late August. He said the Church's position in restricting the Traditional Latin Mass is "short-sighted and entirely ideological," and that in his judgment it is "harmful and destructive" for the Catholic community.

Criticism of Pope Francis's motu proprio

Sarah said Pope Francis's 2021 motu proprio Traditionis Custodes, which sharply limited celebration of the Vetus Ordo, stands in contrast to the liberalization granted by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 through Summorum Pontificum. He said Benedict XVI's decision had a "positive influence" on the celebration of Mass, and that many priests have testified that discovering the extraordinary form allowed them to celebrate better.

He criticized Traditionis Custodes for having "annulled" that approach while Benedict XVI was still alive, calling the decision "neither sensible nor respectful." He described Benedict XVI as "a man as gentle as a lamb" who offered his suffering to God in silence and prayer.

Defense of the older ritual forms

Sarah said older ritual forms cannot simply be restricted by decree. "Access to ritual forms that have been recognized and in existence for centuries must never be artificially restricted," he said. In an earlier interview with the Italian newspaper Il Foglio, he called the liturgical conflict a sin, saying it is "a drama, indeed a real and proper sin, that on an essential matter such as the liturgy there should be a kind of war."

He repeated his call for a return to the "balanced, pastoral and theologically grounded" position of Benedict XVI, which allowed the two forms of the Roman rite to coexist and enrich each other.

Ivereigh's response

Ivereigh, known as a defender of Pope Francis, has been criticized by some for dismissing traditional Catholics rather than engaging with their arguments. In his recent post he asked, "What 'war'?" and called Sarah's language "incendiary and belligerent," suggesting that the cardinal, despite his advanced age and having no responsibilities, is seeking attention. Replies to his post criticized his interpretation.