Reactions to Pope's decree on old Latin mass

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - A decree issued by Pope Benedict on Saturday allowing Roman Catholic priests to say the old Latin mass more frequently prompted a broad spectrum of reactions in the world's largest church.

SCHISMATIC TRADITIONALISTS:

BISHOP BERNARD FELLAY, HEAD OF THE FRATERNITY OF SAINT PIUS X (SWITZERLAND) -- "The letter accompanying the motu proprio (decree) does not hide the fact that difficulties still exist. The Fraternity of Saint Pius X hopes the favourable atmosphere created by the Holy See's new measures will permit us -- after the lifting of the excommunications still imposed on its bishops -- to consider the disputed doctrinal points more serenely."

TRADITIONALISTS LOYAL TO THE VATICAN:

MICHAEL DUNNIGAN, CHAIRMAN OF UNA VOCE AMERICA -- "The traditional mass is a true gem of the church's heritage and the Holy Father has taken the most important step toward making it available to many more of the faithful."

LAY MOVEMENTS:

MARY PAT FOX, HEAD OF VOICE OF THE FAITHFUL (UNITED STATES) -- "A move back to the Latin Mass ... is not something that will bring people into the church or keep people in the church, particularly people under the age of 60."

WE ARE CHURCH (GERMANY) -- "The attempt by the Pope ... to please schismatics and traditionalists can lead to a new split within many parishes, dioceses and the whole Roman Catholic Church."

CARDINALS: