Vatican II on the role of chant in the Liturgy

Vatican II's Constitution on the Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, stated that chant was to be given "pride of place" -- a phrase echoed by Pope Paul VI in Musicam Sacram (March 5, 1967) and repeated in the current General Instruction of the Roman Missal. (41)

"The Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman Liturgy: therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of place in liturgical services". - Second Vatican Council, Sacrosanctum Concilium §116 (1963)

Musicam Sacram (1967) quotes Vatican II: "According to the Constitution on the Liturgy, 'the use of the Latin language, with due respect to particular law, is to be preserved in the Latin rites.'" and orders that: "Pastors of souls should take care that besides the vernacular 'the faithful may also be able to say or sing together in Latin those parts of the Ordinary of the Mass which pertain to them.'" (n.47). About chant, it repeats Vatican II: "Gregorian chant, as proper to the Roman liturgy, should be given pride of place."(n.50).