Vatican to host event on same date it denied Summorum Pontificum Latin Mass

The international pilgrimage Summorum Pontificum had asked to celebrate its pontifical Mass on October 24. After being denied, the Vatican revealed that it would instead be hosting a lecture on St. Francis of Assisi as part of the observance of the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death.  

The Pontifical Mass, previously held in St. Peter’s, will now take place in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. 

The annual October Latin Mass pilgrimage processes through Rome, culminating inside the Vatican, where Mass is traditionally celebrated at the Altar of the Chair.   

The pilgrimage is expected to maintain its traditional stop at St. Peter’s Basilica, where participants will at least be able to pray at the tomb of the Apostle Peter before heading to Saint Mary Major, where Bishop Athanasius Schneider will preside. 

As reported by LifeSiteNews earlier this week, Pope Leo XIV has yet to respond to a request for an audience from the Summorum Pontificum, nine months after organizers formally asked to meet him.

Organizers of the pilgrimage, which will take place in Rome from October 23 to 25, requested an audience with Pope Leo in a letter personally delivered to the Pope by Bishop Athanasius at the Vatican in December 2025, according to a report by Edward Pentin. 

“Despite these significant and deeply disappointing setbacks, the pilgrimage will still be attended by Catholics attached to the Church’s Tradition from around the world,” a source told LifeSiteNews.