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Pope Leo XIV has issued a stern warning to the Catholic traditionalist group Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) as it moves ahead with plans to consecrate new bishops without papal approval-a move that risks formal excommunication.
Speaking to journalists on June 16 outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, the Pope expressed deep concern over the SSPX’s decision. The group, known for its ultra-traditionalist stance, intends to consecrate four bishops on July 1 without the Vatican’s consent, a requirement under Church law. In May, the Vatican’s doctrinal office explicitly warned that such ordinations would constitute a schism-a serious breach that could lead to the group’s expulsion from the Catholic Church, which counts 1.4 billion members worldwide.
This is not the first time tensions have flared between the SSPX and the Vatican. Despite previous warnings, the group appears determined to proceed. SSPX Superior General Davide Pagliarani has stated that members would “rather die than renounce” their traditionalist beliefs, underscoring their resolute stance.
The SSPX currently reports having 733 priests within its 1,482-member base. Reflecting on the widening rift, Pope Leo XIV told reporters he is considering a final appeal to the group, urging them to maintain communion within the Church.
“Certainly, division among Christians is always a painful point,” he said. “But they refuse to accept certain fundamental elements of the Church, starting with several points from the Second Vatican Council.”
The origins of this dispute trace back to the SSPX’s founding in 1970 by French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, who rejected key reforms introduced by the Second Vatican Council-such as celebrating Mass in vernacular languages rather than exclusively in Latin. Lefebvre’s unilateral consecration of bishops in 1988 without papal consent led to his excommunication by Pope John Paul II. Although Pope Benedict XVI later lifted these excommunications in an effort to reconcile with the group, the SSPX’s current actions signal a renewed challenge to Vatican authority.
The four priests slated for consecration as bishops are Father Michael Goldade (United States), Father Pascal Schreiber (Switzerland), Father Michel Poinsinet de Sivry (France), and Father Marc Hanappier (France). In a May 2026 statement, the SSPX emphasized its commitment to preserving what it views as the Church’s traditional teachings, asserting their duty to faithfully transmit the faith as historically upheld.
While the SSPX continues to recognize the Pope and adheres to many Catholic doctrines, it remains sharply divided over ongoing Vatican reforms. In a recent declaration addressed to Pope Leo, Pagliarani accused the Vatican of “errors that are destroying Catholic faith and morals,” highlighting the deep ideological chasm between the group and the Church hierarchy.
As July approaches, the Church faces a critical moment: whether dialogue can prevail or if the SSPX will take a definitive step toward formal separation.