Pope Leo XIV has issued a formal warning to the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), a traditionalist Catholic group, stating that their plan to ordain four bishops without papal approval constitutes an act of schism. Proceeding with these ordinations would trigger an immediate excommunication for those involved, marking a significant escalation in the tensions between the group and the Holy See.
Why the SSPX is challenging papal authority
The conflict stems from the SSPX’s rejection of reforms enacted during the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s. According to the group, the Catholic Church is currently in a state of “emergency” due to the introduction of liberal and “modernist” ideas. The SSPX specifically opposes the Council’s teachings on religious freedom, ecumenism, and the reforms of Catholic worship.
Founded in 1970 by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, the group has long maintained a contentious relationship with the institutional Church. A major rupture occurred in 1988 when the society ordained four bishops without the Pope’s consent, leading to their excommunication. While Pope Benedict XVI lifted those excommunications in 2009, the move became controversial after it was revealed one of the bishops, Richard Williamson, had falsely claimed that the Nazis did not use gas chambers during the Holocaust.
The SSPX maintains a global presence with approximately 700 priests and 600,000 followers. This remains a small fraction of the worldwide Catholic population, which includes 1.4 billion members and nearly 400,000 priests.
How the Vatican defines the risk of a parallel structure
Church leadership views the unauthorized ordinations as a threat to the fundamental unity of the faith. Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, an ally of Pope Leo XIV, told CNN that the primary danger is the creation of a “parallel structure” within the Church. Cupich emphasized that the Pope has made multiple attempts to invite the group to dialogue, but warned that the misuse of ecclesiastical rites for unauthorized ordinations is a serious violation of canon law.
Pope Leo XIV has personally appealed to the fraternity to reverse their decision. In a letter to the group, the Pope described the potential schism as a “sin of extreme gravity,” urging the members to reconsider for the sake of the “seamless robe of Christ.”
What happens next if the ordinations proceed?
Despite the Pope’s pleas, preparations for the ceremonies at the SSPX seminary in Écône, Switzerland, appear to be moving forward. The group has launched a website detailing four days of events, and one of the candidates for ordination is Father Michael Goldade, the rector of the SSPX seminary in Dillwyn, Virginia.
Addressing the situation, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the limitations of his influence over the group. On June 16, he told reporters, “If they make that decision, I am sorry, but we must move forward.” If the ordinations take place, the new bishops will be officially excluded from the sacraments of the Church.
Pro Tips for Understanding Church Law
- Schism defined: In Catholic doctrine, the link or communion between bishops and the Pope is a fundamental pillar of the unity of the Church.
- Excommunication: This is an action where those involved are officially excluded from the sacraments of the Church.
- Communion: The link between bishops and the Pope is considered a fundamental pillar of the unity of the Church.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SSPX?
The Society of Saint Pius X is a traditionalist Catholic group that rejects the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, including the teachings on religious freedom, ecumenism, and the reforms of Catholic worship.
Why is the Pope against these ordinations?
According to Pope Leo XIV, ordaining bishops without papal mandate is an act of schism that threatens the unity of the Church and violates canon law.
What happens to the priests who are ordained?
If the ordinations proceed without the Pope’s approval, the individuals involved face excommunication, effectively barring them from participating in the sacraments of the Church.
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