No more prayer fees? The Vatican is order
According to the Vatican media, from April 20, 2025 – that is exactly on Sunday of the Resurrection – the Catholic Church introduces new, strict rules regarding mass intentions. This is the answer for growing concern for the faithful, who more and more often asked: « Is the Mass for a loved one still a prayer or already a transaction? »
A decree issued by the dycascaria for the clergy, approved by Pope Francis on Palm Sunday, April 13does not beat around the bush. He is clearly talking about abuse, collective intentions without the consent of the donors and practices that began to remind you, the price list of religious services.
« One intention – one donation »
From now on, there is a simple rule: one priest, one intention, one victim. No connecting dozens of victims into one mass if the faithful were not clearly informed about it. No « mention of Masses » that only sound like a fulfilled promise. Such practices have been defined as seriously illegal.
The surplus from intentions, if they appear, are to be directed to the most needy parishes. Especially those in missionary areas. As the Vatican reminds, the Eucharist is not a goods, but a mission.
Mass also for those who do not have
There was also a clear call in the decree: priests are to celebrate mass without any victim, especially for the poor. The Pope reminds of the basic principle of canon law that no one can be deprived of access to the sacraments due to a lack of money.
– We cannot allow poverty to separate people from God – emphasize the authors of the document.
Why this change?
The new guidelines are a response to too frequent practices reminiscent of Symonia, i.e. selling holiness. The Holy See not only wants to restore confidence in the institution, but also to protect the spiritual importance of massal intentions, which – as emphasized – are not a « fee for the service », but by an act of participation in the life of the Church.
From Easter 2025, the church takes a step forward. Or rather – a step back. To the roots.
(Source: Vatican News)
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The Vatican wants to curb the abuse of harassing intentions. The new rules come into force from April 20, 2025.
:format(webp)/s3/static.nrc.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/19173712/data131081359-d750e9.jpg "Recovering Pope appears at Easter blessing, lets you read")
