Apostolic Letter Summorum Pontificum, USCCB

Pope Benedict XVI gives permission for priests to celebrate the Tridentine Mass, sometimes called the "Old" Latin Mass. The Tridentine Mass was restricted by most bishops following the reforms of Vatican II. It was replaced by the Novus Ordo Mass, which may be celebrated in Latin or vernacular languages such as English.

The Tridentine Mass takes its name from the 16th century Council of Trent. Parts of the Mass date back from the time of St. Gregory in the 6th century. In October of 2004, Cardinal Maida gave permission for the Tridentine Mass to be celebrated at St. Josaphat Parish, where it continues to be celebrated each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. The cardinal says he is "grateful" the Holy Father has shown his pastoral care.

• Cardinal Maida Statement
• Tridentine Mass at St. Josaphat, MCN
• Pope relaxes restrictions on use of Tridentine Mass, CNS 
• Differences between Tridentine and Novus Ordo Mass, CNS