The SSPX announces that it intends to consecrate new bishops without permission from the Vatican

The Priestly Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) has reignited one of the most enduring rifts in modern Catholic history by announcing that it will consecrate new bishops on July 1 without Vatican approval, a move that threatens renewed excommunications and deepens its decades‑long conflict with Rome.

The SSPX's Superior General, Fr. Davide Pagliarani, revealed that the society had formally requested an audience with Pope Leo XIV in August to discuss the urgent need for new bishops to sustain its global ministry. According to Pagliarani, the Holy See eventually replied-but with a letter that "does not in any way respond to our requests," leaving the society convinced that Rome had no intention of addressing its concerns.

In response, the SSPX leadership declared that it would proceed with episcopal consecrations without papal mandate, citing what it calls an "objective state of grave necessity" for the continuation of its sacramental life. The consecrations are scheduled for July 1 and will be carried out by the society's current bishops.

This decision mirrors the dramatic events of 1988, when the society's founder, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, consecrated four bishops without Vatican approval-an act that resulted in automatic excommunication for Lefebvre and the bishops involved. Although Pope Benedict XVI lifted those excommunications in 2009, the SSPX has remained in what the Vatican calls a state of "imperfect communion" or "institutional irregularity."

Who the SSPX Is: Origins and Mission

The Priestly Society of St. Pius X was founded in 1970 by Archbishop Lefebvre, a French missionary bishop and former Superior General of the Holy Ghost Fathers. Lefebvre established the society in response to what he saw as theological confusion and liturgical disorder following the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). The SSPX's mission has always centered on preserving traditional Catholic doctrine and worship, especially the Tridentine Latin Mass.

Key Characteristics of the SSPX

Exclusive use of the Traditional Latin Mass

The SSPX rejects the post‑Vatican II liturgical reforms, maintaining that the traditional liturgy better expresses Catholic doctrine.

Doctrinal reservations about Vatican II

The society disputes aspects of the council's teachings on religious liberty, ecumenism, and relations with the modern world, arguing that these represent breaks with prior magisterial tradition.

Global presence

With seminaries, schools, chapels, and missions around the world, the SSPX serves tens of thousands of faithful who seek traditional Catholic worship and formation.

Canonical irregularity

While the Vatican recognizes the validity of SSPX sacraments such as confession and marriage under certain conditions, the society's clergy still lack ordinary canonical status.

The Long Road of Tension With Rome

The SSPX's relationship with the Vatican has been turbulent from the beginning. Initially approved by local bishops, the society soon came under scrutiny for its resistance to Vatican II reforms. By the late 1970s, tensions escalated as Lefebvre continued ordaining priests against Vatican directives.

The 1988 Consecrations

The breaking point came on June 30, 1988, when Lefebvre-convinced that Rome would not approve successors to continue his work-consecrated four bishops without papal mandate. This act violated canon law and resulted in automatic excommunication for all involved.

The Vatican declared the act a schismatic gesture, though the SSPX has always denied being in schism, arguing that it acted out of necessity to preserve tradition.

Attempts at Reconciliation

Over the decades, several popes have attempted to heal the rift:

Pope John Paul II condemned the 1988 consecrations but expressed openness to dialogue.

Pope Benedict XVI lifted the excommunications in 2009 and initiated doctrinal discussions aimed at regularizing the SSPX.

Pope Francis granted SSPX priests faculties to hear confessions and witness marriages under certain conditions, signaling pastoral goodwill.

Despite these gestures, doctrinal disagreements have remained unresolved.

Why the SSPX Says New Bishops Are Necessary

The society currently has two bishops: Bernard Fellay and Alfonso de Galarreta. Both were consecrated in 1988 and are now advancing in age. Without new bishops, the SSPX argues, it cannot ordain priests or confirm faithful-sacraments essential to its mission.

Fr. Pagliarani has emphasized that the society's request for new bishops was made in good faith and in the hope of cooperation with Rome. The Vatican's non‑committal response, he says, left the SSPX with no choice but to act independently.

Potential Consequences: Excommunication and Renewed Schism

Canon law is clear: consecrating bishops without papal approval incurs automatic excommunication. Vatican officials have already signaled that such a move would "harden a decades‑old split" and could undo years of slow progress toward reconciliation.

The SSPX, however, maintains that necessity justifies its actions. It argues that the crisis in the Church-particularly regarding liturgy and doctrine-requires extraordinary measures to preserve tradition.

A Turning Point for Traditional Catholicism

This announcement comes at a time of heightened tension within the global Church. Restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass issued in recent years have left many traditionalist Catholics feeling marginalized. The SSPX's decision may embolden some traditionalist groups while alarming Church authorities concerned about unity.

The July 1 consecrations, if carried out, will mark the most significant rupture between the SSPX and Rome since 1988. Whether this leads to a permanent break or eventually forces renewed dialogue remains to be seen.

Conclusion

The SSPX's decision to consecrate bishops without Vatican approval represents a dramatic escalation in its long‑standing conflict with Rome. Rooted in decades of doctrinal disputes and liturgical disagreements, the move underscores the society's determination to preserve its mission-even at the risk of excommunication.

As July 1 approaches, the Catholic world watches closely. The outcome may shape the future of traditionalist Catholicism and the Church's ongoing struggle to balance unity with diversity of expression.