The study making the claim, which Bishop Georg Bätzing supports, based its conclusions on 'recent theological and especially liturgical insights and the results of previous ecumenical dialog.'
A passage from St. Cyril of Jerusalem is used to persuade Catholics that Communion in the hand is an ancient practice legitimately restored after Vatican II. But there is more to the story.
'Whoever thought that the Church only came to her dogmatically binding teaching on the Sacraments because of the Protestant challenge, can learn here the truth.'