In Econe, Switzerland, a group of traditionalist Catholics, known as the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), created significant controversy by consecrating four bishops without the approval of Pope Leo XIV. They stated that the act was a ‘sacred duty’ to uphold the Catholic faith, even dismissing the potential excommunications as invalid.
The SSPX, opposing modern reforms within the Catholic Church, proceeded with the ceremony at their seminary, despite Pope Leo’s appeal to cancel the event. The Pope had warned that assigning bishops without his consent was a ‘sin of extreme gravity’ that could harm the followers. Undeterred, priests marched to the altar as bells chimed across the Alpine valley, and thousands of Catholics supporting the traditional Latin Mass attended the service. It was broadcast live, with translations in multiple languages.
This act represents a major challenge for Pope Leo, who is focused on unity within the church and mending rifts with traditionalists that intensified under Pope Francis. The SSPX, which now has a significant following, pushes an ultra-traditional Catholic stance, opposing modern changes from the Second Vatican Council of the 1960s. The society identifies itself as a beacon of the ‘true faith of Christ’ and justified their actions citing a ‘state of necessity’ to serve its faithful.
The consecrations took place despite severe church penalties for doing so without papal mandate, which includes automatic excommunication. The ceremony echoed previous acts by the SSPX’s founder, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, who also faced excommunication for a similar act in 1988. Although Pope Benedict XVI later lifted these excommunications in 2009, the SSPX remains without legal standing in the Catholic Church.
During the Mass, a priest voiced the SSPX’s stance that these acts were necessary for the salvation of souls, and the society was performing its ‘sacred duty’ while still respecting the papal authority. Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta, himself consecrated without papal permission in 1988, participated in the ceremony by conferring the Holy Spirit onto the new bishops.
The SSPX identified the newly consecrated bishops as Pascal Schreiber, Michael Goldade, Michel Poinsinet de Sivry, and Marc Hanappier. Reverend Davide Pagliarani, the SSPX superior, defended the consecrations as acts that benefitted both the salvation of souls and the church. Despite the threat of penalties, SSPX maintains they are serving Pope Leo as the church leader.
The Vatican has yet to comment on the situation. For the SSPX, the day was seen as a moment of celebration rather than controversy. Participants were offered souvenir wine sets, and the atmosphere was filled with joy despite the rain. Attendees like Arlina Onglao from the Philippines dismissed the fear of excommunication, viewing the event as a safer path to maintain faith. Wulfran Lindzondzo from France, originally from Gabon, expressed his desire to reconnect with tradition through the SSPX.
Despite the society’s actions, many traditional and conservative Catholics remain opposed to the consecrations, seeing them as an act of disobedience that undermines church authority. Reverend Robert Gahl of the Catholic University of America states that tradition cannot be upheld while acting against church authority.
The SSPX’s decision to continue with the consecrations reflects their belief in the necessity to uphold their version of traditional faith. They issued a response to Pope Leo urging him to delay any penalties, emphasizing their commitment to what they believe is a greater good.
Support for Associated Press religion coverage is provided through a collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc.
Leave a Reply