Signatories included the human rights campaigner Bianca Jagger, fellow musicians Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Lord Lloyd-Webber and Sir András Schiff; historians Tom Holland and A.N. Wilson; Tristram Hunt, director of the Victoria and Albert Museum; Lord Stirrup, former Chief of the Defence Staff; and the fashion designer Sir Paul Smith. 

Some of them are Catholics, but many are non-Catholics and they include non-believers. All of us recognise that, to quote the letter, the destruction of the Traditional Latin Mass would be 'an unnecessary and insensitive act in a world where history can all too easily slip away forgotten'. 

There are continuing reports from Rome that the Vatican, having already severely restricted access to the Latin Mass, is planning what would amount to a formal worldwide ban on its celebration in ordinary parishes. 

There are continuing reports from Rome that the Vatican, having already severely restricted access to the Latin Mass, is planning what would amount to a formal worldwide ban on its celebration in ordinary parishes. 

This petition, like the Times letter, is entirely ecumenical and non-political. Whatever your beliefs, I urge you to sign it as a gesture of support for those Catholics who have found spiritual solace in the old Latin Mass and now – at a time when religious minorities around the globe are facing harassment – face the prospect of being forced to disown their own precious heritage. Please keep any messages of support respectful, as this petition does in any way not challenge the authority of Pope Francis and attacks on him would damage our cause.

Share this petition in person or use the QR code for your own material. 

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