Ad Petri Sedem: FIUV clarifies the Mass at St Mary Major

26 October 2026 — After the traditional Ad Petri Sedem pilgrimage over the weekend, and on-the-ground reports that had described only a “low Mass” without a pontifical at St Mary Major, the International Federation Una Voce (FIUV) has issued a statement signed by president Joseph Shaw and treasurer Monika Rheinschmitt to correct “some misunderstandings”.

At St Mary Major, FIUV writes, there was never a Solemn High Mass that was later “cancelled”. Organisers sought and were granted a Prelatial (Pontifical) Low Mass. About 1,500 pilgrims filled the basilica on Saturday — unusual for pilgrim groups — and Mass ended around 4:15 p.m. Shaw thanks the Cardinal Archpriest, sacristans, security and the Dominican confessors.

The picture at St Peter’s is unchanged from earlier reporting: the Secretariat of State had already declined a Mass in August. A request for at least a collective devotion, as in 2023 and 2024, was also refused in a letter dated 30 September, received only well into October.

Official release: FIUV website (26 October 2026).

Update, evening of 26 October. Holy See Press Office director Matteo Bruni told The Pillar the Secretariat of State's letter referred "exclusively to the procession, because that's ordinarily not allowed, not even for dioceses that come in pilgrimage". "If the organizers wanted to hold an [alternate] activity such as Eucharistic adoration or prayer, they should've made a specific request to that end." Organizers (Christian Marquant, Coetus Internationalis) say no explanation was given for the refusal.

Sources: FIUV press release; The Pillar (Matteo Bruni); Niwa Limbu on X.