Rome/Switzerland – A Catholic community wedded to tradition is preparing to defy Pope Leo XIV by ordaining new bishops without his approval, raising fears of a fresh schism within the Church.
The Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), headquartered in Switzerland and claiming around 600,000 followers worldwide, announced this week that it will proceed with ordinations on July 1, after diplomatic outreach with the Vatican failed.
Clash Over Tradition
The SSPX has long resisted reforms introduced under the Second Vatican Council (1960s), particularly restrictions on the Tridentine Mass, celebrated in Latin with incense and Gregorian chants.
Founded in 1970 by French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, the society clashed with Rome almost immediately. In 1988, Lefebvre illicitly ordained four bishops, resulting in automatic excommunication.
Ordaining bishops without papal approval remains a grave violation of canon law, which stipulates automatic excommunication for such acts.
Tensions With Pope Leo XIV
The SSPX said it requested an audience with Pope Leo XIV, elected in May 2025, but received an “unsatisfactory response.” Since then, the group has intensified criticism of the pontiff, despite his concessions, including authorizing the Tridentine Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.
“The act they are about to commit is schismatic in spirit,” said Martin Dumont, head of the Institute for Research on the Study of Religions at Sorbonne University.
The society argues that its survival is at stake, noting it has 720 priests but only two bishops, and needs more to serve its growing membership in France, Germany, and the United States.
Vatican Response
Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, head of the Vatican’s doctrinal office, has offered to meet SSPX representatives in Rome on February 12.
“Rome has always extended a hand, saying: ‘Come back, we are ready to welcome you,’” Dumont noted.
A canon lawyer, speaking anonymously, warned that the bishop issue masks a deeper problem: SSPX’s refusal to recognize the Second Vatican Council.
“Canon law is very clear: if bishops ordain other bishops without a papal mandate, they are automatically excommunicated,” the lawyer said.
Conclusion
The SSPX’s threat to ordain bishops without papal approval risks undoing years of reconciliation efforts under previous popes. As July 1 approaches, the Vatican faces a critical test of unity, balancing tradition with reform while seeking to prevent another rupture in the global Catholic Church.
