Folia Theologica 20. (2009)

Caban Peter: Features and new impulses of the Pope Benedict XVI in the area of liturgy

FOLIA THEOLOGICA 20 (2009)

43

CABAN, Peter

FEATURES AND NEW IMPULSES OF THE POPE BENEDICT XVI IN THE AREA OF LITURGY

Facts, scientific view and pastoral consequences

Key words: Benedict XVI - Tridentine rite - Latin rite - renewal of liturgy today - Latin language in the liturgy - Missal of the blessed Pope John XXIII

Summary: This study deals with the pontificate of the Pope Benedict XVI and his contribution in the field of liturgy. It points out to various facts developing in the spirit of authenticity and fidelity to the Catholic liturgy, possibilities odf liturgical shape of rites, new Motu Proprio and use of the Latin language within the Western liturgy. This study wants to pictures the status of the pontificate of the current Pope in relation to the pastoral ministry in parishes. It wants to show that the liturgy in its varieties is never a way back but authenticity and fidelity to the Christ's message.

In the social and church life of this time questions regarding the head of the Catholic Church, the Pope Benedict XVI and his relationship to the liturgy were often discussed in the media. There were some discussions whether the behaviour of the current Pope is the liturgical progress or regress. In various countries these questions were asked by some journalists but even clergymen have various opinions on these questions. Therefore I chose this topic as the theme of the study and I want to write something about the great Pope Benedict XVI who deals with the liturgy personally, he celebrates it accurately and his published consequences help renew the current liturgy.

The development of the liturgy exists in some historical tradition. The history of the development of each liturgical rite is marked by many years of liturgical enculturation and efforts of individual persons in the field of liturgy. Liturgy is deeply rooted in the faith of the Church and its theological understanding and many current journalists forget this fact. The external forms of the liturgy which may be changed during centuries are something new which is more related to its fuller experience in various times. The Pope contributes significantly in this area. He published several works related to the liturgy dur-