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Catholic Cardinal Robert Sarah has criticised what he described as the politicisation of the Church’s liturgy, condemning the use of profane music and persistent liturgical abuses during Holy Mass.
Speaking during two lectures at Princeton University in November 2025, the Guinean cardinal said the sacred liturgy has increasingly been “instrumentalised” and distorted over recent decades. His remarks were later reported by Catholic journalist Edward Pentin in the National Catholic Register.
Cardinal Sarah, a former prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, stressed that the Mass is not subject to personal creativity, even by clergy. He warned that altering the liturgy undermines its core purpose: giving proper worship to God and recognising God’s action within the Church.
He described the use of non-sacred music during Mass as “scandalous at times,” emphasising that not all music is appropriate for worship. Quoting Pope Benedict XVI, he noted that “one song is not as good as another” in the context of liturgy.
The cardinal highlighted the central role of sacred music, particularly Gregorian chant, saying it is not an optional addition but an essential element of the Mass. He added that sacred music reflects the Church’s universal tradition and prepares believers for eternal worship.
Cardinal Sarah’s comments coincided with the release of his book, The Song of the Lamb: Sacred Music and Heavenly Liturgy, co-authored with Peter Carter.
