Why doesn’t Pope Francis Celebrate Mass? Part II, by Phil Lawler

By Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture, May 23, 2024

Phil Lawler has been a Catholic journalist for more than 30 years. He has edited several Catholic magazines and written eight books. Founder of Catholic World News, he is the news director and lead analyst at CatholicCulture.org.

Forgive me for returning to a question that I have asked once before—and only a few weeks ago, at that. But frankly I am dumbfounded, and wonder why the same question is not on the lips of all believing Catholics.

Why has Pope Francis not celebrated Mass in public for well over a year? He will frequently “preside” at a Mass—which means he sits enthroned at the side of the altar in liturgical vestments, often delivering the homily—but he has not been the principal celebrant since sometime in mid-2022.

When I asked this question two months ago, some readers pointed out that (as I had already acknowledged), Pope Francis is now elderly, with painful knee problems that limit his movements….

Continue reading >>>>>>>>>>>>>