Pope Francis has banned the celebration of the traditional Latin Mass in most parishes in the United States, intensifying efforts to strengthen liturgical unity among all Catholic churches. However, St. Joseph's Parish in Tyler, Texas, has been the only exception to this prohibition.
This decision is framed within the papal regulation "Traditionis custodes" imposed in 2021, which governs the liturgy prior to the Second Vatican Council. The Bishop of Rome detailed the new restrictions on this type of Mass in a letter to the Diocese of Tyler, one year after removing Bishop Joseph Strickland, who had publicly opposed Francis's reforms.
Strickland is a controversial figure in the Catholic Church in the United States, known for his conservative stances and opposition to the cultural updates proposed by Pope Francis, especially on issues of social inclusion. His position against same-sex marriage and the rights of transgender people has placed him at the forefront of the debate about modernity in the religious institution.
Following a Vatican investigation into his performance and financial management, Strickland challenged the pope to remove him in an open letter published in September 2022. As of November 30, the use of the 1962 Missal for any type of celebration or sacrament will be prohibited, in line with the directives of the Holy See to promote liturgical unity in the Catholic Church.