Pope Leo XIV has called on the Superior General of the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) not to proceed with episcopal consecrations without a pontifical mandate, warning that such a move would constitute a new schismatic act.
The appeal comes amid ongoing tensions between the Vatican and the traditionalist society founded by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre.
The SSPX has operated in a canonical irregular situation since the 1988 consecrations performed without papal approval, which resulted in automatic excommunications (later lifted for the bishops involved).
In his message, the Pope urged the SSPX leadership to respect Church unity and avoid actions that would deepen the divide.
Episcopal consecrations without a pontifical mandate are considered a serious breach of canon law and have historically been viewed as schismatic by the Holy See.
The SSPX has long sought regularisation with Rome while maintaining its doctrinal critique of certain post-Vatican II developments, and it always emphasised its commitment to the traditional profession of the Catholic Faith.
The SSPX’s reservations about the Second Vatican Council centre on what it sees as ambiguities and novelties in several key documents.
The society argues that texts on religious liberty (Dignitatis Humanae), ecumenism (Unitatis Redintegratio), and the relationship between the Church and the modern world (Gaudium et Spes) represent a rupture with traditional Catholic teaching on the social kingship of Christ and the unique role of the Catholic Church.
It does not reject the council itself as a valid assembly, but what it calls the “spirit of Vatican II” and certain interpretations that have led to liturgical changes, a decline in vocations, empty churches and a perceived loss of doctrinal clarity.
The SSPX maintains that its stance is one of fidelity to the constant Magisterium of the Church rather than opposition to the papacy, a position that has kept it in a canonically irregular situation since 1988 while it seeks a doctrinal agreement with Rome before full regularisation.
Talks between the society and the Vatican have taken place under previous pontificates, but no full agreement has been reached.
Some within the SSPX have expressed concerns about further delays and have advocated for continuing independent ordinations and consecrations to preserve their apostolate.
While Pope Francis and now Pope Leo have shown openness to the SSPX’s liturgical preferences (notably through expanded use of the Traditional Latin Mass), the Vatican continues to insist on full canonical recognition and acceptance of papal authority on key matters such as episcopal appointments.
In an open letter addressed to Pope Leo XIV and the cardinals of the Holy Church, the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) previously expressed its fidelity to the Church while reiterating its concerns over certain post-conciliar developments.
The society stressed its desire for canonical regularisation but maintained that it could not compromise on core doctrinal and liturgical principles.
SSPX has historically performed episcopal consecrations to ensure the continuation of its apostolate, arguing that the current crisis in the Church justifies extraordinary measures.
COMMENT: The next pope must be a lion, roaring in defence of Christianity, the most persecuted religion on the planet. And he must finally put up a fight for the Cross in Europe, writes @BogdanosK. https://t.co/bodEprcWl0
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