Archbishop Jan Pawel Lenga has issued a forceful public defense of the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), sharply criticizing the Vatican’s recent excommunications following the Society’s episcopal consecrations and urging its members to remain steadfast in what he described as fidelity to Christ.
According to LifeSiteNews, the 76-year-old retired archbishop, who previously served in Kazakhstan and has long been an outspoken critic of developments within the Catholic hierarchy, responded after the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a decree excommunicating the SSPX’s four newly consecrated bishops, along with the Society’s clergy and, in some cases, its laity, following the July 1 episcopal consecrations conducted without a papal mandate.
In his statement, Archbishop Lenga argued that the Vatican’s actions reflected a profound departure from the Church’s authentic mission.
“What Fernández wrote on paper – and what was also signed by a Vatican lackey – only proves how far the Vatican has departed from Christ and from the faith,” he said.
According to LifeSiteNews, Lenga contrasted the atmosphere surrounding the Society’s recent consecrations with what he described as the condition of the Church’s leadership in Rome.
“It was worth seeing the consecration of the bishops of the Society of St Pius X: what peace, what joy, what prayerful atmosphere, what solemnity!” he wrote, adding, “In contrast, the Vatican is in chaos.”
The retired archbishop also claimed that the Society had sought dialogue with the Holy See for years before proceeding with the consecrations.
“For years, the Society has been trying to make contact with the Vatican,” he stated. He went on to accuse those holding key positions in the Vatican of being “completely corrupted by the world” and alleged that they had been placed there “to destroy the Catholic Church down to its very roots.”
Lenga further praised what he described as the spiritual vitality within the SSPX, pointing to its life of prayer and the presence of young Catholics.
“In the Society, there is a life of prayer; there are young people, new churches are being built… They do not wish to be separated from the See of Peter,” he said. At the same time, he argued that “the See of Peter has been occupied by people who have nothing to do with Christ.”
According to LifeSiteNews, Archbishop Lenga also criticized Pope Leo XIV’s approval of the Vatican decree.
“Prevost’s approval of the excommunication is proof that he no longer represents the Church that follows Jesus and leads people to salvation,” he wrote.
The retired archbishop concluded his message by encouraging members of the Society to remain steadfast despite the sanctions.
“I call upon all those who are in the Society – priests and bishops alike – to persevere in the apostolic teaching, to hold fast to Christ’s teaching, and not to be swayed,” he said.
He closed with a final appeal: “Remain faithful to Christ. Wolves have always hindered the sheep from living in God’s grace. Therefore, love Christ and go to those to whom you have been sent.”
The Vatican announced the excommunications following the SSPX’s July 1 consecration of four bishops without papal approval, a decision that has prompted significant discussion among Catholics regarding canon law, ecclesial authority, and the Society’s canonical status. Archbishop Lenga’s statement adds another prominent voice to the ongoing debate surrounding the Vatican’s response.
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