SSPX General Council Issues Formal Response to Vatican Proposal After February 12 Meeting

Menzingen, Switzerland - February 19, 2026.- The Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) has released a public communiqué detailing its official response to a proposal from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), following a high‑level meeting in Rome earlier this month. The exchange marks the latest development in the long and often delicate dialogue between the traditionalist priestly society and the Holy See.

A Vatican Proposal Tied to Episcopal Consecrations

On February 12, Father Davide Pagliarani, Superior General of the SSPX, met with Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the DDF. The meeting was convened shortly after the Society announced its intention to proceed with new episcopal consecrations-an act that historically has been a flashpoint in SSPX‑Vatican relations.

During the meeting, Cardinal Fernández proposed what he described as "a path of specifically theological dialogue, according to a very precise methodology... to highlight the minimum requirements for full communion with the Catholic Church." This offer, however, came with a condition: the Society would need to suspend the planned July 1 consecrations.

At the Cardinal's request, Father Pagliarani brought the proposal to the SSPX General Council for review. The communiqué notes that the Superior General "took the time necessary to evaluate it," consulting the five members of the Council and preparing a formal written response.

SSPX Sends Written Reply on February 18

On February 18, Father Pagliarani transmitted the Society's official response to Cardinal Fernández. The letter-signed by all five members of the General Council-was accompanied by several annexes outlining the Society's position in greater detail.

While the communiqué does not reproduce the full text of the response, it emphasizes that the Society believes transparency is appropriate now that the Holy See publicly acknowledged the February 12 meeting. The SSPX states that making its own reply public allows the faithful "to know precisely the response delivered."

The publication of the letter and annexes signals that the Society intends to engage the faithful directly as the situation unfolds, rather than allowing speculation to fill the gaps.

A Call for Prayer as Lent Begins

The communiqué closes with a spiritual appeal from Father Pagliarani. He entrusts the situation to the prayers of the priests, religious, and lay faithful associated with the Society, asking that the Rosary and the sacrifices of Lent be offered "especially for the Holy Father, for the good of the Holy Church, and to prepare souls worthily for the ceremony of 1 July."

The reference to July 1 underscores that, unless Rome's conditions are accepted-which appears unlikely based on the tone of the communiqué-the Society is continuing preparations for its episcopal consecrations.

A Moment of Consequence in SSPX–Vatican Relations

The exchange between the SSPX and the DDF comes at a sensitive moment. Relations between the Society and the Holy See have warmed and cooled repeatedly over the past four decades, often hinging on questions of doctrine, ecclesial authority, and the legacy of the Second Vatican Council.

This latest communiqué suggests that the SSPX is willing to engage in theological dialogue but not at the cost of delaying or abandoning its internal governance decisions-particularly the consecration of bishops, which the Society views as essential for its continuity.

As the Church enters Lent, both sides appear to be preparing for a pivotal few months. The SSPX has made its position public; the Vatican's next steps remain to be seen.