Also from John Allen, on some people’s favorite controversy.

Rendering the Latin phrase pro multis as “for all” has long been Exhibit A in the traditionalist case against the English translation of the Mass following the Second Vatican Council (1962-65). Not only is it a loose translation, these critics insist, it flirts with heresy by suggesting that all human beings will be saved regardless of their moral choices or religious affiliation.

At one stage, a draft of the new translation from the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) appeared to endorse this criticism, translating Christ’s words as “for the many.” When the bishops who govern ICEL met in mid-January, however, they opted to maintain “for all” instead.

….Sources told NCR Jan. 25 that in their mid-January meeting, the ICEL bishops opted to revert to “for all.” The decisive issue was a desire to avoid changes in the Eucharistic Prayers wherever possible.