Has The Pope Punked-Out The French Bishops?
One thing's for sure... something's going on!

As I've come to expect, the crew over at Rorate Caeli have all the straight-scoop hot off the presses concerning the possible freeing of the Traditional Latin Mass.

A few days back, I posted a story where I asked the musical question if the pope had gotten punked-out by the French bishops. I may have spoken too soon. In what can only be in reference to the SSPX (and the Latin Mass in general), I think the French bishops just blinked.

Here is some of the statement of Cardinal Ricard, President of the French Episcopal Conference [emphasis mine];

Assembled in Lourdes for their Plenary Assembly, the bishops of France wish to express their communion with Pope Benedict XVI.

With him, they recognize the riches of the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, fruit of the living Tradition of the Church.

With him, they wish to proceed with the reception of the various faithful of Christ attached to the liturgical forms previous to this Council.

With him, they share the desire for the reconciliation of the priests and lay faithful which have separated themselves from ecclesial communion after this Council.

How do you say "you win" in French?