Cardinal Arthur Roche, one of the four active English cardinals—a record for the country—holds a significant place within the Catholic Church. At 74, he is the youngest among them and wields major influence as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, while also being a key advisor to Pope Francis. On the occasion of the golden jubilee of his priestly ordination, Cardinal Roche agreed to open up in an exclusive interview with The Catholic Herald, reflecting on fifty years of priesthood and sharing his thoughts on crucial issues for the Church today.
An Early Vocation and a Rich Journey
From a very young age, Cardinal Roche felt the call to the priesthood. "When I went to Mass, I felt a deep peace and true happiness," he confides. An altar boy, he served Mass almost daily after receiving his First Communion at the age of seven. His vocation became clearer over the years, leading him to turn to the Diocese of Leeds, although he was initially drawn to Cistercian life at Mount Saint Bernard Abbey. "I have retained a great affection for that community and their way of life," he emphasizes.
Trained at the English College in Valladolid, Spain, Cardinal Roche lived a formative experience there, immersed in the history of the English Catholic martyrs. Ordained a priest in 1975 by Bishop William Gordon Wheeler, he was first sent to Barnsley, a mining town in Yorkshire, where he discovered the simple, hardworking faith of the laborers. Subsequently, he served as Bishop Wheeler's secretary, then organized Pope John Paul II's visit to York in 1982, an event that gathered over 250,000 faithful.
Pastoral Commitment and a Mission to Rome
After serving as a curate at Leeds Cathedral, where daily confessions attracted the faithful from across the region, Cardinal Roche continued his ministry as a parish priest, then as the diocesan financial secretary—a mission he never imagined but accepted with humility. "The Lord gives what is needed to accomplish His will," he affirms.
In 2005, after studies in moral theology in Rome, he became Secretary General of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, before being appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, then Bishop of Leeds in 2004. In 2012, Benedict XVI called him to Rome to serve in the Congregation for Divine Worship, where he worked under the leadership of Cardinals Antonio Cañizares Llovera and Robert Sarah.
Synodality, a Gift for the Church
Asked about the Synod on Synodality, Cardinal Roche welcomes this initiative of Pope Francis. "It is an immense gift for the Church, because it teaches us to listen deeply to others, rather than simply defending our positions," he explains. He compares this approach to his experience with the English bishops in the 1990s, where discussions were marked by great charity and mutual respect.
Current Liturgical Challenges
As Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship, Cardinal Roche identifies a crucial lack of liturgical formation today. "Some believe they can adapt the liturgy as they see fit, but we can only worship as the Church, according to what Christ and apostolic authority have handed down to us," he insists. He highlights the importance of Pope Francis's apostolic letter Desiderio Desideravi, which he calls a "love letter to the liturgy," calling the faithful to rediscover the beauty and depth of divine worship.
The Latin Mass and the Unity of the Church
On the question of the traditional Latin Mass, Cardinal Roche adopts a nuanced position. "There is nothing wrong with attending Mass according to the 1962 Missal, but it is not the norm," he reminds. He emphasizes that the liturgical reform of the Second Vatican Council aimed to simplify and make the liturgy more accessible, while integrating Scripture more fully into the lives of the faithful. "What matters is that the celebration of the Eucharist, regardless of the Missal, is noble and imbued with simplicity," he affirms.
Cardinal Roche also reveals that he often celebrates Mass in Latin, according to the ordinary rite. "If only they knew that I celebrate Mass in Latin almost every day," he confides with a smile, noting that this practice remains a treasure for the universal Church.
A Message of Unity and Fidelity
Cardinal Roche insists on the importance of unity and fidelity to the Church's tradition. "We must remain centered on Christ and His teachings, while deeply respecting others," he concludes. With humility and wisdom, he continues to serve the Church, guided by a deep faith and an unwavering love for the liturgy and the sacraments.