Today is the 13th anniversary of the release of the text of Benedict XVI’s Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum. This Motu Proprio established that, juridically, there are two forms of one Roman Rite. Hence, if a priest has the faculties to say the “Novus Ordo”, then he also has the faculties to say the Traditional Latin Mass. Furthermore, it established that pastors of parishes, not the local bishop, can determine how Summorum Pontificum is to be implemented in their parishes.
This is perhaps the most important thing that Benedict XVI did in his pontificate and it will have a significant, enduring effect on the Latin Church, particularly in the face of the demographic shifts in the Church which have been accelerated by the COVID crisis.
Today, please say a prayer of thanksgiving for Summorum Pontificum and for long life of healthy and happy years for Benedict XVI.