A long-running dispute between Rome and a traditionalist Catholic group escalated this weekend as the Priestly Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) warned of actions that could trigger a schism. The group announced plans to consecrate new bishops without Vatican approval, a move that directly challenges the authority of the Holy See and revives memories of past ecclesial conflict.
The Priestly Society of St. Pius X stated it intends to proceed with bishop consecrations on July 1. The group exclusively celebrates the Traditional Latin Mass and has resisted reforms stemming from the Second Vatican Council. SSPX superior general Father Davide Pagliarani said he sought an audience with Pope Leo XIV in August to request new bishops but received a Vatican response that he said “does not in any way respond to our requests.”
According to EWTN, SSPX currently has two bishops: Bishop Bernard Fellay and Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta. The group argues that its growth and pastoral demands require additional bishops, while Rome has not granted approval for such consecrations.
The situation echoes events from 1988, when SSPX founder Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre was excommunicated by Pope John Paul II after ordaining bishops without Vatican consent. Those bishops were also excommunicated. In later years, Pope Benedict XIV and Pope Francis worked to restore limited ties, with Francis allowing SSPX priests to hear confessions and conduct marriages, though without formal canonical status.
Pagliarani has denied that the society seeks separation from Rome. In November 2024, he said, “the Society of Saint Pius X does not seek first and foremost its own survival: it seeks primarily the good of the universal Church.” Quoting Lefebvre, he added, “without any rebellion, bitterness, or resentment, we continue our work of priestly formation.”
The Catholic Herald reported Monday that SSPX had engaged in talks with the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith throughout last year, suggesting the SSPX schism warning reflects a breakdown in those discussions.
