Transnational Religious Practices as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: The Complex Case of the Traditional Latin Mass

The UNESCO convention definition of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) covers religious practices and rites, as can be seen from normative descriptions dozens actual examples, many which are Catholic traditions. Traditional Latin Mass (TLM), practiced in one form or another for over 1500 years by an ever-increasing number peoples nations possession a common stable set rules, meets the criteria listing ICH; fact, it is arguably best possible example. It also complicated one. After Church’s liturgical reform 1960s 1970s, new rites were introduced old officially abandoned; nevertheless, minority clergy laity continued to celebrate TLM, and, time, legitimacy their attachment was recognised several popes, who spoke regularly great value artistic patrimony recommended that remained joined with its origins. In contrast, current pope, Francis, has recently become opposed continuation rites. Be this may, quite such threatened but deeply appreciated international ICH TLM could proposed states (unlike Holy See) have signed Convention Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage, give recognition appropriate immense historical present-day value.