The Catholic Church embodies a unique tension between tangible and intangible cultural heritage. While the notion of tangible heritage entered its lexicon with the 1983 Code of Canon Law, the concept of intangible heritage remains formally absent, despite being deeply rooted in its traditions. For centuries, the Church has fostered a communion of diverse cultures, adapting liturgical practices to local contexts, and highlighting the primacy of living traditions over material artifacts. This contrasts with secular heritage frameworks, which prioritize the preservation of static, tangible elements over dynamic, evolving practices. The Church, conversely, views material artifacts as subordinate to the traditions they serve, allowing for adaptation over time. This creates a paradox: the Church has adopted the secular notion of tangible heritage—risking an undue focus on objects—while overlooking the intrinsic alignment of intangible heritage with its historical and spiritual identity. Liturgical spaces exemplify this tension, where the need to preserve physical structures often conflicts with evolving gestures and traditions. Addressing this imbalance requires a rethinking of heritage frameworks, integrating both dimensions to honour the Church's dynamic interplay of tradition and continuity.