Singapore cardinal expresses hopes for liberation of traditional Latin Mass

Tom Colsy• May 23, 2025

The Cardinal Archbishop of Singapore has defended Catholics who are attached to the traditional Latin Mass.

In an interview given to Italian media, Cardinal William Goh Seng Chye also said he believes Pope Leo XIV “will not be ambiguous” on matters of teaching and doctrine .

In the interview with La Bussola, the cardinal spoke candidly about pressing matters for the Catholic Church – ranging from persecution in Asia to sexuality and liturgy.

Regarding Catholics who attend the Tridentine Mass, Cardinal Goh stressed there is no reason to restrict their worship.

“They are not doing anything wrong or sinful,” he said.

While emphasising the importance of Church unity, he pointed out the Church’s acceptance of multiple rites.

He said: “We already have different rites such as the Syro-Malabar one. We can very well accept different ways of celebrating the Eucharist and therefore I believe that we should not suffocate those who prefer the Tridentine rite.”

In Singapore, a community of around 300 mostly young, professional faithful attends the Latin Mass. Cardinal Goh explained that their preference stems from the Mass’s contemplative nature.

“They tell me it is more reflective, contemplative and that it brings them closer to God. Why should I stop them?” he said.

He added that disciplinary action would only be warranted if these groups rejected the Second Vatican Council, which he affirmed is not the case.

The Cardinal also commented on what he described as ambiguities in teaching during Pope Francis’s pontificate.

“In his attempt to reach everyone, in terms of doctrine and morality the teachings have not been articulated correctly, or rather they have appeared ambiguous,” he said.

This lack of clarity, he explained, has contributed to divisions within the Church, particularly on matters of marriage, LGBTQ issues, and transgender identity.

“If we are not clear about what the teaching of the Church is, then it is very difficult to work together in unity,” Cardinal Goh observed.

He noted that both conservative and progressive factions desire evangelisation but have become divided because “people were no longer too sure what the right thing to do was.”

He described the need for patient pastoral accompaniment: “To be truly inclusive means to say, ‘Yes, we understand that you are struggling. You are not living the Gospel. We will help you, we will walk with you. It may take time. We will help you to fall in love with Jesus slowly.’”

Looking ahead to the new pontificate, Cardinal Goh expressed confidence in Pope Leo XIV’s capacity to bring clarity.

He highlighted the Pope’s background as an Augustinian, his pastoral experience in Peru, and his years working within the Roman Curia.

“He has been sober and careful about what to say and what to do,” the Cardinal said.

“He seems to me to be a man aware of the fact that when a Pope makes certain comments, those comments are taken seriously and for this reason he uses caution and prudence.”

Turning to the situation of religious freedom in Asia, Cardinal Goh described a varied landscape.

He said: “Persecution is not the same in all countries. Some are very subtle, some make life really difficult. But I think it all depends on the country.”

He added that Singapore does not face such difficulties, crediting a clear separation between religion and politics.

Elsewhere in Asia, particularly in countries with state religions, he noted that politics and religion often become intertwined, with politicians defending particular religions for electoral gain, while religious groups may seek political power.

On the challenges facing Pope Leo XIV in Asia, Cardinal Goh said the new pontiff’s experience in Latin America will be valuable.

Cardinal Goh said: “Leo XIV already has the perspective and experience of what it means to reach a world that is different from the one of origin. In particular those poor and marginalised areas that are very present in Asia.”

He contrasted the religious landscape in Asia with that in Latin America, where “routine faith” and sectarian movements pose particular challenges.

“Being a minority,” the cardinal added, “Leo XIV will have to pay attention to how our Church will dialogue and interact with other religions.”

When asked if he regretted the Pope is not Asian, Cardinal Goh responded: “No, I don’t care if the Pope is Asian or European or of any nationality.

“I don’t vote by continent or culture. I want to vote for a Pope who is truly inspired by the Holy Spirit.

“An inspiration that can unite the world and walk in truth and love. And I believe that Leo XIV is the right man.”

(Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)