A Traditionalist Group Challenges the Vatican
The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), a traditionalist Catholic group, faces a critical juncture as it plans to consecrate four new bishops on July 1 at its seminary in Écône, Switzerland. Despite the Vatican’s dire warnings that such actions without papal approval would result in automatic excommunication, the SSPX seems poised to defy Rome.
Notably, the Vatican has firmly stated that the ordination of these bishops, lacking papal consent, constitutes a “schismatic act” under canon law. Both those performing and receiving such ordinations would face excommunication.
Pope Leo XIV’s Leadership Under Scrutiny
The consecration plans pose one of the first challenges to Pope Leo XIV’s leadership. His papacy began in May 2025. The pope has made a personal appeal urging the SSPX to reconsider, highlighting that continuing with the ceremony would deepen divisions within the Catholic Church.
Despite this, SSPX leaders have pushed forward with preparations. They argue the consecrations are vital to their ministry’s future, citing the dwindling number of bishops in the society.
Historical Context of SSPX’s Dispute with the Church
The SSPX was founded by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in 1970 as a reaction to post-Second Vatican Council reforms. These changes in liturgy and relations with other religions were perceived by Lefebvre and his supporters as deviations from Catholic tradition.
In 1988, Lefebvre consecrated four bishops without approval from Pope John Paul II, leading to their excommunication. Efforts to improve relations saw Pope Benedict XVI lift these excommunications in 2009, though the SSPX remains in a state of “canonical irregularity” as described by the Vatican.
Continuing Growth and Justifications by the SSPX
Advocates for SSPX’s decision underscore the need for more bishops to ensure ordination of priests and administration of sacraments. Between 2015 and 2025, the group reported an increase from 582 to 733 priests, an expansion of priories and places of worship.
In the U.S., SSPX claims to have 124 priests serving 115 chapels with around 30,000 adherents. Toronto Catholic José LoMonaco has publicly supported the consecrations, asserting that traditional bishops are necessary for ordaining priests in the Roman rite.
Vatican’s Call for Unity
Pope Leo recently addressed media, hoping the SSPX would reconsider its plans to preserve church unity. However, the SSPX continues to highlight its objections to perceived modernist errors within the Church.
Despite pope’s overtures, the SSPX maintains that unresolved doctrinal disputes justify its actions. Communications between the SSPX and the Vatican have indicated a willingness for theological dialogue but insist on canceling the consecrations.
Upcoming Ordinations
Four priests are set for consecration: Michael Goldade (United States), Pascal Schreiber (Switzerland), Michel Poinsinet de Sivry (France), and Marc Hanappier (France). These individuals represent a younger generation of leadership within the SSPX, aged between 36 to 53 years.
The SSPX’s actions could signal a turning point for its relationship with Rome and its impact on the broader Catholic Church.
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