Pope Leo XIV has issued a fresh appeal to the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) as the traditionalist priestly society prepares to consecrate four new bishops without papal approval on July 1.
Speaking Tuesday outside Villa Barberini in Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father indicated that the Vatican may make one final effort to persuade the SSPX to reconsider its plans.
According to LifeSiteNews, Pope Leo said, “We have invited them, and I am still considering making another appeal, to say, ‘Do not do this. Let us try to live in communion in the Church.’” He added, “But it is their choice. They must understand what it means for them and for the Church.”
The planned episcopal consecrations are scheduled to take place at the SSPX seminary in Écône, Switzerland. Four priests of the society are expected to be ordained as bishops.
The Vatican has previously warned that episcopal consecrations carried out without papal authorization could be considered a schismatic act and may incur canonical penalties, including excommunication.
Pope Leo also expressed concern about ongoing disagreements between the Society and the Holy See regarding the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. According to LifeSiteNews, the Pope stated, “Certainly, division among Christians is always a painful matter. But they refuse to accept certain fundamental elements of the Church, beginning with various points of the Second Vatican Council. And if they make those choices, I am sorry. But we must move forward.”
The SSPX announced its intention to consecrate new bishops in February. In a statement cited by LifeSiteNews, Superior General Father Davide Pagliarani said the Society considers the consecrations necessary because of what it described as an “objective state of grave necessity” to ensure the continuation of its sacramental ministry.
Debate surrounding the planned consecrations has drawn reactions from Church leaders around the world. According to LifeSiteNews, some bishops have voiced support for the Society’s decision, including Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, while others within the Vatican have strongly opposed the move.
Among the most prominent critics is Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. LifeSiteNews reported that following a February meeting between Cardinal Fernández and Father Pagliarani in Rome, a communiqué indicated that the cardinal warned the SSPX that proceeding with the consecrations could constitute the crime of schism.
As the July 1 date approaches, Pope Leo’s latest comments underscore the Vatican’s desire for reconciliation and ecclesial unity, even as tensions remain over the Society’s relationship with the Holy See and its reception of the Second Vatican Council.
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.
