Vatican says SSPX faces excommunications for 'schismatic' bishop consecrations
EWTN News • • world
Key Points:
- The Vatican’s doctrine chief, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, warned that the Society of St. Pius X’s (SSPX) plan to consecrate new bishops without papal approval will be a schismatic act resulting in automatic excommunication under canon law.
- The SSPX intends to proceed with illicit episcopal consecrations on July 1 at its seminary in Écône, Switzerland, despite Vatican warnings and offers of theological dialogue to prevent a rupture.
- The SSPX opposes certain Second Vatican Council teachings, particularly on religious freedom and interfaith relations, which contributes to its doctrinal differences with the Church.
- Prominent Church figures, including Cardinals Gerhard Müller, Robert Sarah, and Joseph Zen, have urged the SSPX to reconsider and avoid schism, emphasizing the gravity of the decision.
- The July 1 consecration date marks the anniversary of SSPX founder Archbishop Lefebvre’s 1988 excommunication for similar unauthorized episcopal ordinations.