ROME (AP) — A breakaway Catholic traditionalist group, known as the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), rejected the Vatican's invitation for dialogue on Thursday. This development indicates a potential confrontation with Pope Leo XIV over the SSPX's plans to consecrate new bishops without papal approval, a move that could deepen the rift between the group and the Holy See.
The SSPX communicated its position through a letter addressed to Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the Vatican's doctrine chief. In the letter, the society argued that the Vatican's warning of possible sanctions and a schism if the consecration ceremony proceeds on July 1, 2026, is inconsistent with an earnest desire for constructive conversations and mutual understanding.
Established in the wake of the Second Vatican Council, which occurred in the 1960s and modernized various practices within the Catholic Church, the SSPX is known for its adherence to the traditional Latin Mass. The organization's founding in 1988 by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre marked a significant break from Rome when Lefebvre consecrated four bishops without papal approval, a decision that led to his excommunication along with that of the bishops he had ordained. Currently, the SSPX lacks any official legal status within the Church.
Despite its historical split, the SSPX has expanded over the years, establishing schools, seminaries, and parishes globally. The group now boasts a roster of 733 priests, 264 seminarians, 145 religious brothers, 88 oblates, and 250 religious sisters, positioning it as a parallel Catholic institution that poses a challenge to the Vatican's authority.
In a recent announcement, the SSPX indicated its intention to consecrate four new bishops on July 1, 2026, to address leadership needs as their existing bishops age. The society argued that the consecrations are critical for its mission to serve its growing number of faithful around the world.
This impending consecration ceremony presents a significant challenge for Pope Leo XIV, who has been attempting to mend relations with Catholic traditionalists—a task made more difficult under the previous papacy of Pope Francis. While the SSPX remains outside formal communion with the Holy See, many traditionalists loyal to Rome are closely observing the Vatican's response to this crisis.
In efforts to manage the potential fallout, Cardinal Fernández extended an invitation to the SSPX's superior, Rev. Davide Pagliarani, for discussions to take place on February 12. The Vatican proposed engaging in theological dialogue concerning Vatican II, contingent upon the SSPX suspending its planned consecration ceremony.
In his response, Pagliarani highlighted that he had previously sought such a dialogue back in 2019 but received no acknowledgment from the Vatican. He affirmed that under the current conditions, substantive doctrinal discussions are unattainable, reiterating that the SSPX would never reach a consensus with the Vatican on the interpretations of Vatican II.
Pagliarani criticized the Vatican's approach, stating that an offer for dialogue cannot be genuine if accompanied by threats of sanctions and schism. He expressed the society's desire for the Vatican to show goodwill, considering the substantial number of Catholics who attend SSPX churches. Pagliarani closed his letter by emphasizing the SSPX's established role within the broader Church, wherein they seek merely to continue their good works for the spiritual benefit of their communities.
The Vatican has yet to release a formal response to the SSPX's letter and the ongoing situation remains tense and complex.
