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Catholic group SSPX defends its actions after its schism with the Vatican
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), a traditionalist Catholic group opposing modern Church reforms, defended its recent unauthorized consecration of four bishops as a necessary act for saving souls, despite being excommunicated by the Vatican.
- The Vatican excommunicated SSPX bishops and priests and warned their followers they could face excommunication for participating in the schism caused by the illicit consecrations, which violated church law.
- SSPX leader Rev. Davide Pagliarani described the sanctions as unjust and invalid, asserting the group’s commitment to preserving traditional Catholic doctrine amid what they see as widespread doctrinal confusion.
- Founded in 1970 by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, the SSPX rejects the Second Vatican Council reforms and has long been a contentious presence within the Catholic Church, claiming to uphold true Catholicism more faithfully than the Vatican.
- The Vatican’s swift and harsh response under Pope Leo XIV signals a firm stance against SSPX’s defiance, emphasizing that salvation requires full communion with the Church and obedience to the pope’s authority.
