The Vatican has issued a strong warning regarding the Society of Saint Pius X’s reported plans to consecrate bishops without papal approval, calling such an act “schismatic” and warning that those formally adhering to it could face excommunication under Church law.
In a statement dated May 13, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, addressed the planned episcopal ordinations announced by the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X (SSPX), the traditionalist priestly society founded by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. According to the statement, the consecrations are reportedly scheduled to take place in Écône, Switzerland, on July 1.
The Vatican declaration stated that “the episcopal ordinations announced by the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X do not have the requisite papal mandate.” It further warned that “this act will constitute ‘a schismatic act’” and that “formal adherence to the schism constitutes a grave offence against God and entails the excommunication established under Church law.”
The statement, shown in the attached Vatican press office image, also referenced St. John Paul II’s 1988 apostolic letter Ecclesia Dei, which addressed the illicit episcopal consecrations carried out by Archbishop Lefebvre. The Vatican reiterated that such actions violate the unity and authority of the Church when performed without approval from the Roman Pontiff.
According to LifeSiteNews, the SSPX plans to ordain four new bishops despite the Vatican’s warning. The outlet reported that Cardinal Fernández described the move as an act lacking the necessary “papal mandate” and cautioned that participation in or adherence to such a schism carries canonical penalties.
The Vatican statement concluded by saying that “The Holy Father continues in his prayers to ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten those responsible for the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X so that they may reconsider the extremely grave decision they have taken.”
On May 14, SSPX Superior General Father Davide Pagliarani responded publicly in a letter addressed to Pope Leo XIV, according to LifeSiteNews. In the letter, Pagliarani defended the society’s position and described the SSPX’s actions as rooted in what he called fidelity to the Catholic faith and Tradition.
LifeSiteNews published the full text of the SSPX declaration, in which the society stated: “We have no other desire than that of living and being confirmed in the Roman Catholic Faith.” The document also argued that the society’s concerns about doctrinal issues within the Church had remained unresolved for decades.
The SSPX has had a complicated relationship with Rome since Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre consecrated four bishops without papal approval in 1988, an act that led to automatic excommunication at the time. While some canonical penalties were later lifted by Pope Benedict XVI, the society remains in an irregular canonical status within the Catholic Church.
The Vatican’s latest warning signals growing concern over the possibility of another unauthorized episcopal consecration and the serious implications it could have for Church unity.
Your support brings the truth to the world.
Catholic Online News exists because of donors like you. We are 100% funded by people who believe the world deserves real, uncensored news rooted in faith and truth — not corporate agendas. Your gift ensures millions can continue to access the news they can trust — stories that defend life, faith, family, and freedom.
When truth is silenced, your support speaks louder.
