Pope Leo XIV has made a final appeal to the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), urging the traditionalist group not to proceed with its planned episcopal consecrations without papal approval. The appeal was issued in a letter published on 30 June 2026, one day before the scheduled consecrations in Écône, Switzerland.
In his message to SSPX Superior General Father Davide Pagliarani, the Holy Father appealed for unity within the Church and asked the society to reconsider what he described as a potentially schismatic act. Pope Leo emphasized the spiritual consequences such an action could have for the faithful and warned that proceeding without papal authorization would seriously damage ecclesial communion.
The Pope expressed deep pastoral concern, stating that the planned consecrations could deprive members of the faithful of the licit, and in some cases valid, reception of certain sacraments. He described the proposed action as a matter of grave concern and urged the SSPX leadership to reflect carefully before moving forward.
The Vatican had previously indicated that episcopal consecrations carried out without papal mandate would constitute a schismatic act under Church law and could result in automatic excommunication for both the bishops performing the consecrations and those being consecrated. Earlier in June, Pope Leo had already warned that the planned action risked deepening divisions between the Holy See and the society.
Shortly after the publication of the Pope’s letter, Father Pagliarani issued a formal response on behalf of the SSPX. While expressing gratitude for the Pope’s concern, he maintained that the society’s plans remained unchanged. He argued that the intended consecrations would not constitute schism and appealed to the Holy Father to reconsider any disciplinary measures that might be imposed as a result.
The SSPX was founded by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre and is known for its strong attachment to the Traditional Latin Mass and its criticism of certain teachings and reforms associated with the Second Vatican Council, particularly on religious freedom and interreligious relations. Its relationship with the Vatican has been marked by periods of tension and dialogue over several decades.
The latest exchange underscores ongoing efforts by Pope Leo XIV to preserve unity within the Catholic Church while addressing longstanding disagreements with the traditionalist society. As the scheduled consecrations proceed, attention remains focused on the implications for relations between the Holy See and the SSPX.
Source: EWTN News.
