Vatican Warns Breakaway Group Over Bishop Appointments

VATICAN CITY – On Wednesday, the Vatican called on a breakaway Catholic group, known for its dedication to the Old Latin Mass, to abandon plans to appoint new bishops without the approval of Pope Leo. They cautioned that this action could result in excommunication from the global Catholic Church, which has around 1.4 billion members.

This marks the first time during Leo’s tenure that the Vatican has threatened such severe repercussions. The doctrinal secretariat has communicated to the Society of St. Pius X, based in Switzerland, that any ordination of a bishop would lead to a “schism,” or a formal split from the pope.

According to Cardinal Victor Fernández, who oversees the division, the planned ordination would represent “a grave violation of God” and would lead to excommunication, as outlined by Church doctrine.

The Society of St. Pius X has previously resisted changes allowing Mass to be held in local languages, preferring the traditional Latin ritual for its mystique and formality.

Individuals who face excommunication are considered fully separated from the Church, unable to receive sacraments or hold any church office until they seek forgiveness. Additionally, those who die while excommunicated cannot receive a Catholic burial.

Founded by the late Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, who was excommunicated in 1988 for appointing bishops without the permission of Pope John Paul II, the Society has had a contentious relationship with the Vatican for many years. Although John Paul’s successor, Benedict XVI, attempted to rekindle dialogue and lifted previous excommunications, tensions have persisted.

In February, the Society’s current leadership revealed intentions to ordain new bishops in July, defying Vatican approval, stressing the need for more bishops to lead their community. The Church maintains that only the Pope has the authority to authorize the consecration of new bishops to preserve its connection to the original 12 Apostles of Jesus, who are viewed as the first priests and bishops. Conducting ordinations without papal consent leads to automatic excommunication for both the bishop performing the ceremony and the individual being consecrated.