Body of Christ cannot be gluten free: Bread used during Mass must be made from wheat, Vatican rules

  • Pope sent letter to bishops reminding them of requirements for the Eucharist
  • Tells them bread must be made from wheat and wine cannot be soured
  • Letter explictily forbids the use of gluten-free alternatives during the sacrament

By CHRIS PLEASANCE FOR MAILONLINE

Published: | Updated:

The Vatican has told bishops that bread used during Mass cannot be gluten free.

Cardinal Robert Sarah wrote to the bishops on the orders of Pope Francis to remind them 'to watch over the quality of the bread and wine to be used at the Eucharist'.

The letter stipulates that the bread used must be made of wheat and specifically outlaws any kind of gluten-free alternative.

Pope Francis ordered a letter be sent to bishops outlining requirements for bread and wine used during sacrament amid concerns they can now be bought online or from supermarkets

Pope Francis ordered a letter be sent to bishops outlining requirements for bread and wine used during sacrament amid concerns they can now be bought online or from supermarkets

The note, published by Vatican Radio, reads: 'The bread used in the celebration of the Most Holy Eucharistic Sacrifice must be unleavened, purely of wheat, and recently made so that there is no danger of decomposition. 

'It follows therefore that bread made from another substance, even if it is grain, or if it is mixed with another substance different from wheat to such an extent that it would not commonly be considered wheat bread, does not constitute valid matter.

'Hosts that are completely gluten-free are invalid matter for the celebration of the Eucharist.

'Low-gluten hosts (partially gluten-free) are valid matter, provided they contain a sufficient amount of gluten to obtain the confection of bread without the addition of foreign materials and without the use of procedures that would alter the nature of bread.'

Meanwhile wine 'must be natural, from the fruit of the grape, pure and incorrupt, not mixed with other substances.'

'Great care should be taken so that the wine intended for the celebration of the Eucharist is well conserved and has not soured,' the letter adds. 

Letter makes it clear that bread must be made from wheat and that gluten-free alternatives cannot be used instead (file image)

Letter makes it clear that bread must be made from wheat and that gluten-free alternatives cannot be used instead (file image)

Cardinal Sarah notes that, while religious communities used to provide the bread and wine, it is increasingly available in supermarkets and online.

In order to prevent churches from buying inappropriate supplies, Pope Francis deemed it necessary to send out the reminder. 

While gluten-free bread is sometimes used during Communion in Protestant churches, the Vatican has forbidden it several times during Roman Catholic services - issuing another reminder back in 2003. 

Pope Francis

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