The Catholic Herald Podcast: Merely Catholic with Gavin Ashenden 105: Inside the Vatican, with Diane Montagna
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Sep 2, 2025 Diane Montagna, a prominent Vaticanologist with contributions to several leading Catholic publications, shares her insights from working with three popes. She discusses the challenges facing Pope Francis, the intricacies of Church governance, and her groundbreaking research challenging narratives around Traditionis custodes. Montagna also highlights the delicate balance between transparency and secrecy in Vatican communications, alongside personal stories of priests navigating new regulations and expectations regarding the traditional mass.
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Vatican Reaction And Corroboration
- After her report, the Vatican press office offered only a partial non-confirmation, prompting Diane to publish the document's protocol number and more excerpts.
- Italian authors Don Nicola Bux and Saverio Gaeta later corroborated and released related material, confirming her accuracy.
Real Lives Hurt By Liturgical Policy
- Diane emphasizes the human cost: newly ordained deacons and families suffered when access to the Vetus Ordo was curtailed.
- She argues two-year permissions were intended to phase out the old rite, which misunderstands communities rooted in the Vetus Ordo.
Let Truth Depoliticize Reform
- Diane argues revealing the factual CDF report helps depoliticize the issue and allows the next pope to act without appearing to oppose his predecessor.
- She urges transparency so Pope Leo can make pastoral corrections with less partisan friction.