Recently, a controversial video has been circulating, claiming that Pope Leo XIV has made a series of shocking reforms to long-held Catholic traditions.

According to the video, Pope Leo has abolished seven major traditions, including centuries-old practices that have shaped the Catholic Church for generations.

The video claims that Pope Leo is ushering in a new era, one that will be radically different from what has come before.

But are these claims true? What is the reality behind these supposed reforms? And why is this video causing such an uproar? Let’s break down the facts and separate truth from fiction.

thumbnail

Reform #1: The Protocol of External Reverence

The first claim in the video is that Pope Leo XIV reformed the protocol of external reverence, which supposedly included a touching story about him walking barefoot to visit a sick girl in 1987.

According to the video, this act was meant to show humility, but the real story behind it is far less profound.

The claim that Pope Leo XIV walked barefoot and had his feet bloodied is completely fabricated.

There is no historical record or evidence to support this.

No Vatican records, interviews, or official biographies mention such an event.

To make matters worse, the video tries to back this story up by citing “Gaudium et Spes 3” from Vatican II, claiming it supports abolishing protocol.

However, this is a misquote.

The document does not say anything of the sort.

It’s a classic example of emotional manipulation disguised as theology.

This isn’t a reform—it’s a fabrication.

Pope Leo XIV banned these 7 Catholic traditions… and many are in shock! | Pope  Leo XIV - YouTube

Reform #2: The Exclusive Use of the Papal Skull Cap

The second reform presented in the video is the claim that Pope Leo XIV abolished the exclusive use of the papal skull cap—a small cap that symbolizes respect within the Church.

The video even fabricates a touching moment where Pope Leo supposedly took off his skull cap and gave it to a young man, who promised to pray the rosary daily.

Once again, this is fiction.

There is no record of such an event happening.

No photo, no Vatican report, and no news coverage.

In fact, there is no doctrine or canon law in the Church that dictates the exclusive use of the skull cap, and no reform has been made in this regard.

Pope Leo XIV, like all popes, continues to wear the skull cap as a symbol of his office, but there has been no official change to its use.

This “reform” is nothing more than a symbolic gesture turned into a false narrative.

Reform #3: The Mass in the Vernacular Language

One of the most laughable contradictions in the video is the claim that Pope Leo XIV has both promoted Latin in the liturgy and the vernacular at the same time.

This is presented as if it’s controversial, but in reality, it’s simply a misunderstanding of Church teaching.

In Sacro Sanctum Concilium 36, Vatican II clearly states that both Latin and local languages are permitted for Mass, which has been Church policy for decades.

Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass, like those of recent popes, was celebrated in both Latin and the vernacular.

This is not a new reform—it’s just basic Church practice.

So, what’s really being presented here? Nothing controversial at all—just basic continuity with Church tradition.

Did Pope Leo XIV Vote in the 2024 Election? What We Know - Newsweek

Reform #4: The Wearing of Ornate Clothing

Another supposed reform the video claims Pope Leo XIV made is the reduction of the use of luxurious vestments by the Pope.

This is presented as if Pope Leo is banning ornate clothing, but the truth is far less dramatic.

What Pope Leo XIV has done is exactly what Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI did—wear simpler robes for everyday occasions.

This is not a doctrinal change; it’s a stylistic choice, one that reflects humility, but it doesn’t abolish anything significant.

The emotional language in the video suggests that gold vestments were discarded, but this is purely for dramatic effect.

There’s no record of Pope Leo XIV throwing vestments into a fire—just a warm, fuzzy anecdote designed to manipulate the audience.

Reform #5: Inclusive Language in the Liturgy

The next claim is that Pope Leo XIV introduced more inclusive language into prayers, particularly referring to the faithful as “brothers and sisters” instead of just “brothers.” The video suggests this as a significant departure from traditional Catholic practice.

In reality, inclusive language in liturgical prayers is not a revolutionary change.

It’s something that has been gradually adopted in the Church over time.

Many liturgies have already used inclusive language in various forms, especially in modern translations of prayers, to better reflect the diversity of the faithful.

Pope Leo XIV has made no radical changes in this area—it’s simply part of the natural evolution of language within the Church.

Pope Leo XIV banned these 7 Catholic traditions… and Millions Shocked -  YouTube

Reform #6: The Rejection of Vatican II Documents

A key element of the video’s claims is the suggestion that Pope Leo XIV has rejected parts of Vatican II, particularly those related to the liturgy.

The video suggests that Pope Leo’s reforms are a direct repudiation of Vatican II’s teachings on ecumenism, liturgy, and interfaith dialogue.

This is another misrepresentation.

Pope Leo XIV has never rejected Vatican II.

In fact, he has explicitly affirmed the importance of its teachings while also seeking to clarify and strengthen the Church’s commitment to traditional values.

What the video fails to mention is that Pope Leo XIV’s reforms are aimed at renewing the Church’s commitment to its core mission—spiritual guidance, humility, and service to the faithful.

This is not about rejecting Vatican II; it’s about building upon its principles with greater clarity and focus.

Reform #7: The Rejection of Modernism

The final claim in the video suggests that Pope Leo XIV has rejected modernism and all its manifestations within the Church, including progressive theology and liturgical changes that have been adopted in recent decades.

While Pope Leo XIV has certainly emphasized a return to traditional Catholic teachings, he has not rejected the modern world.

His message is one of balance—maintaining the timeless truths of the faith while engaging with the challenges of modernity.

His focus is on spiritual renewal, not a wholesale rejection of modern culture or progress.

The video’s claim that Pope Leo XIV is leading the Church into a radical break with the modern world is an exaggeration.

Conclusion: The Truth Behind the Reforms

Pope Leo XIV’s recent actions have stirred significant attention, but the claims in the video about his supposed reforms are largely exaggerated and misrepresented.

The reality is that many of the changes presented as radical reforms are already in line with Church tradition or have been practiced by other popes before him.

Pope Leo XIV’s goal is not to dismantle the Church’s rich history but to renew it—to call the faithful back to a deeper relationship with God through humility, prayer, and traditional values.

The video’s portrayal of these reforms as dramatic changes is a false narrative designed to create unnecessary fear and division.

The truth is far less shocking and far more consistent with the Church’s longstanding commitment to faith, unity, and service.

So, don’t fall for the sensationalized claims.

The Church is not abandoning its traditions—it’s embracing them with a renewed spirit for the future.