Critical voices from Germany, "nothing new and not very original" according to Archbishop Gänswein in new interview. Expects Pope to break down barriers on Latin Mass issue.

Pope Leo XIV's recent interview statements deserve "respect and gratitude," says Archbishop Georg Gänswein. He "recalled Catholic convictions" regarding the question of women's priesthood and the blessing of homosexuals.

Archbishop Georg Gänswein thanked Pope Leo XIV for his recent interview. Leo XIV "recalled Catholic convictions by reaffirming John Paul II's final decision regarding the reservation of the priesthood to men and by correctly assessing the content of the controversial document of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, 'Fiducia supplicans,'" Gänswein told the Catholic weekly newspaper "Die Tagespost."

The Papal statements deserve "respect and gratitude." Critical voices on this from Germany are, he said, "nothing new and not very original." Portraying the rejection of women's ordination and the blessing of same-sex couples as the new Pope's hostility to reform is "a regularly recurring cliché in certain circles."

With regard to the debates surrounding the celebration of the so-called "Old Mass," Gänswein expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative announced by Leo XIV to bring together supporters and critics in a timely manner. This offers "a unique opportunity to break down enemy stereotypes and overcome mutual rifts," he said.

Cathcon:  there is no moral equivalence between Latin Mass supporters and their modernist enemies.   The modernists have put Latin Mass supporters through an earthly hell for the last decade,

Peace diplomacy fails because of Russia

Gänswein also spoke about the Vatican's role in the negotiations for peace between Russia and Ukraine. According to the archbishop, the Catholic Church's peace diplomacy in the Baltics has so far failed primarily because of Moscow. "The Pope's outstretched hand has not been grasped by the Russian side," said the Vatican ambassador to the Baltics. The Vatican can only mediate successfully if both parties to the conflict feel "genuine trust and a sincere willingness for peace" toward it. "Unfortunately, the concrete reality is different."

Pope Leo XIV's commitment to peace in Ukraine is also highly valued in the Baltic states, Gänswein added. "His repeated appeals are gratefully received as a sign of solidarity with the victims of the war and as moral support for peace. People perceive his words as encouragement and strength. Nothing is more urgently desired than reconciliation and peace." The Vatican has the moral authority to build bridges between warring camps. Much of the "legacy work" is done behind closed doors. The cleric has been responsible for the Baltic states for a year as Apostolic Nuncio, based in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius.

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