Over 140 Catholics in Toronto have urged Cardinal Frank Leo to mediate in a growing dispute between the Vatican and the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), a traditionalist priestly group. The SSPX plans to consecrate four bishops without the pope’s consent, potentially facing excommunication.
Recently, a group of Catholics delivered a letter to Cardinal Leo, expressing support for the SSPX’s actions. They request his assistance in obtaining the pope’s approval. The appeal is framed as a charitable and pastoral plea.
Reasons for Consecration
José LoMonaco organized the letter and explains the necessity of the consecrations. According to him, without new bishops, SSPX cannot continue ordaining priests in the traditional rite. He cites the age of current bishops as a pressing concern.
Cardinal Leo, as Toronto’s archbishop and a College of Cardinals member, holds a unique position to address this issue.
Content of the Letter
The signers of the letter describe themselves as devoted Catholics from Toronto. Although not SSPX members, many attend SSPX chapels. They align themselves with a recent Declaration of Catholic Faith by SSPX Superior General Father Davide Pagliarani.
The letter, seen as a profession of faith, seeks the Vatican’s approval for the impending consecrations, urging a response from church authorities.
Neither the Vatican nor Cardinal Leo has responded publicly. Efforts to obtain comments from the Archdiocese of Toronto and the Holy See Press Office are ongoing.
SSPX’s Stand on Unapproved Consecrations
The SSPX announced it would consecrate four priests as bishops without pontifical mandate:
- Father Michael Goldade (United States)
- Father Pascal Schreiber (Switzerland)
- Father Michel Poinsinet de Sivry (France)
- Father Marc Hanappier (France)
The Vatican warned this move is a ‘schismatic act’ and a severe offense, implying excommunication. Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández emphasized the lack of papal mandate constitutes a breach with the Church.
The SSPX firmly refuses to change its stance. Pagliarani’s recent letter reiterated longstanding warnings to the Vatican about perceived errors undermining Catholic faith, frustrated by what he sees as only receiving canonical sanctions as responses.
Historical Context of the Rift
The rift dates back over 50 years. The SSPX was founded in 1970 by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, opposing reforms from the Second Vatican Council, notably liturgical changes and relationships with other faiths.
The schism intensified in 1988 when Lefebvre consecrated bishops without papal consent, leading to excommunications. Although some penalties have been lifted, SSPX remains in an irregular canonical status.
SSPX alleges departures from traditional doctrine by the Vatican, particularly criticizing modern pastoral reforms and the 2023 declaration Fiducia Supplicans.
While the declaration allows blessings for same-sex couples, the SSPX sees this as inconsistent with Church teaching on marriage. Attempts by successive popes to reconcile have stalled due to these unresolved doctrinal issues.
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