To His Eminence
Cardinal Arthur Roche
Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship
and the Discipline of the Sacraments

I send cordial greetings to you and to all those gathered at Mount Angel Abbey in Oregon as you discuss the important topic of the liturgical formation of God’s people.

In his Apostolic Letter Desiderio Desideravi, which described the beauty of the liturgy’s theological and spiritual depth, Pope Francis emphasized the need for an attentive and ongoing formation of clergy and laity alike in revitalizing the liturgical life of the universal Church (cf. no. 38). He later reminded us that this kind of formation “is not a specialization for a few experts, but rather an inner disposition of all the People of God” (Address to the Participants in the Plenary of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 8 February 2024). I would therefore encourage you to explore concrete paths for liturgical formation at every level in the Body of Christ. At the same time, we must “not exclude a priority in the formation of those, who, by virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, are called to be mystagogues, that is, to take the faithful by the hand and accompany them in their knowledge of the holy mysteries” (ibid.).

The first practical opportunities for liturgical formation occur in our regular practice of gathering every Sunday to celebrate the Eucharist. These celebrations are anchored in the annual rhythm of the liturgical year, with the Paschal Mystery at its center. For this reason, it is essential that they also be profoundly formative, promoting an ever deeper understanding of the ars celebrandi, expressed not only by the celebrant of the liturgy, but also by the entire assembly (cf. Desiderio Desideravi, n. 54). In this way, through proper education and reverent worship, Catholics will be formed both for the liturgy and by the liturgy (cf. ibid., n. 34).

Moreover, in order to promote the dignified celebration of the sacred mysteries, we must emphasize the need for fidelity to the approved texts and instructions. In my recent catecheses on the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, I have called attention to the respect that all those called to prepare the celebration of the divine mysteries, and priests in particular, must show toward the rites promulgated by Pope Saint Paul VI and Pope Saint John Paul II. It is vital that this respect “springs from an inner attitude of openness and trust in God, manifesting humility before his greatness and sincere fidelity to ecclesial communion” (Catechesis, 27 May 2026).

With these sentiments, I entrust your deliberations to Mary, Seat of Wisdom, and I willingly impart my Apostolic Blessing to you and all present at this gathering as a pledge of wisdom and peace in the Lord.

From the Vatican, 29 June 2026

LEO PP. XIV