Pope Leo XIV Meets Privately with Superiors of the FSSP a Traditional Latin Mass Society

VATICAN CITY — On January 19, Pope Leo XIV held a private audience with leaders of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP). The half-hour meeting focused on the fraternity’s history, its mission to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass, and its internal spiritual formation.

Father John Berg, Superior General, and co-founder Father Josef Bisig represented the FSSP. According to an official communiqué released January 20, the discussion allowed the fraternity to address specific "misunderstandings and obstacles" they face in certain regions. The Pope concluded the meeting by blessing the fraternity's members. The FSSP is currently observing a 30-day novena ahead of their rededication to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on February 11.

Key Highlights: FSSP Private Audience with Pope Leo XIV

• The Meeting: A 30-minute private discussion took place at the Vatican on Jan. 19 between the Pope and FSSP leadership.

• Attendees: Superior General Fr. John Berg and co-founder Fr. Josef Bisig.

• The Agenda:

  • Review of the fraternity’s history and apostolic mission.

  • Clarification of "misunderstandings and obstacles" the society faces globally.

  • Discussion of the FSSP's internal laws and spiritual charism centered on the Traditional Latin Mass.

• Outcome: The Pope offered his blessing to all members of the society.

• Next Steps: The fraternity remains in a period of prayer (a 30-day novena) leading up to a formal reconsecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Feb. 11.

FULL TEXT - Official communiqué of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter – Fribourg, January 20, 2026

Following a request presented by the Superior General of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, Pope Leo XIV received Father John Berg in private audience at the Vatican on Monday, January 19, 2026. He was accompanied by Father Josef Bisig, one of the founders of the Fraternity, former Superior General, and current Rector of Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in Denton, USA.

The cordial half-hour meeting was an opportunity to present to the Holy Father in greater detail the foundation and history of the Fraternity, as well as the various forms of apostolate that it has been offering to the faithful for almost 38 years. The proper law and charism that guide the sanctification of its members were recalled.

This audience also provided an opportunity to evoke any misunderstandings and obstacles that the Fraternity encounters in certain places and to answer questions from the Supreme Pontiff. At the end of this meeting, Pope Leo XIV gave his blessing, which he extended to all members of the Fraternity.

The Fraternity of St. Peter is grateful to the Holy Father for offering this opportunity to meet with him and encourages the faithful to continue to pray fervently during the thirty-days novena of preparation for the renewal of its consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on February 11.

Source : www.fssp.org