Pope says music at Mass must be dignified, help people pray

Published: 2003-12-04

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- While Gregorian chant and pipe organs hold pride of place in Catholic liturgical music, the use of new compositions and other instruments are appropriate at Mass if they reflect the sacredness of the occasion and help people pray, Pope John Paul II said. "To the degree that they help the prayer of the church," other instruments and musical styles "can be a precious enrichment" of the liturgy, the pope said in a Dec. 3 document on sacred music. The document, released only in Italian, marked the 100th anniversary of a document on the same theme written by Pope Pius X. While many modern liturgical songs use styles and instruments "not lacking in dignity," Pope John Paul said, "one must ensure that the instruments are appropriate for sacred use, suited to the dignity of the temple, are able to support the faithful's singing and promote their edification."

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