Pope Benedict is slowly but surely making changes in the Church that will bear fruit for many years to come. Some of the more significant changes are as follows (as summarized by the January 31 issue of The Remnant newspaper):
The Motu Propio. This document has not only liberated the Mass of all time it is also prompting a reexamination of the Novus Ordo. This reexamination will certainly lead to a more reverent and sensible Novus Ordo Mass. One day the Traditional Mass will again predominate or the Novus Ordo will be changed so dramatically as to be very close in ritual to the Latin Mass.
The replacement of Piero Marini as the master of ceremonies at the Vatican. This means no more inculturated or rock concert liturgies for the Pope.
Reinstating the traditional 2/3 vote requirement for papal conclaves.
The coming of new and stricter rules for beatification and canoniization. Pope John Paul II averaged almost 20 canonizations per year during his reign. Pope Benedict is so far averaging only about 5 per year.
The Pope’s recent admonishment of the Jesuit order.
The Pope’s wearing of the traditional miter and the return of the papal throne.
The Pope’s recent celebration of the Mass “facing God” in the Sistine Chapel.
No more references to Vatican II as “the new springtime”, “new Pentecost”, “renewal”, etc.
A thaw in relations with the Orthodox Church that appears to be a direct result of the Motu Propio.
Calling for a worldwide revival of Eucharistic adoration in order to combat the crisis in vocations to the priesthood.
The Pope’s directive to correct the mistranslation of “pro multis” in the consecration formula of the Novus Ordo from “for all” to “for many”. This translation has been fought over for years as “for all” implies a sort of universal salvation. “For many” is the traditional formula that acknowledges a particular orientation to Christ and the reality that not all will be saved.
