Religion: Crisis of Immutability

(2 of 2)

Extending Decentralization. The debate on liturgy might last until Christmas, but most observers believe that the council's final statement will permit the introduction of the vernacular into some parts of the liturgy. Just as important, the council is likely to give the power of decision on liturgical reform and experimentation to local bishops—or national councils of bishops—who now have to appeal to the Vatican for permission to deviate from the ritual. In the past few years, the Vatican Curia has authorized the use of the vernacular in the liturgy of a dozen countries—but only after specific requests and patient appeals.

In this sense, the issue goes further than liturgical reform, since the principle of decentralization of authority, if approved in liturgical matters, could logically be extended to other decisions now in the hands of the archconservative Vatican Curia. Against that possibility Egidio Vagnozzi, conservative Apostolic Delegate to the U.S., urged a gathering of the world's Papal Nuncios to oppose liturgical reforms and "fight for the Curia."