These traditionalist Catholics are defying Pope Leo XIV, and embracing their outsider status
The Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) faces potential excommunication as it defies Pope Leo XIV and proceeds with plans to ordain bishops.
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The story so far
The SSPX has issued a formal declaration of Catholic faith to Pope Leo XIV and the College of Cardinals, signaling an deepening divide with the Vatican. The group has also expressed intentions to conduct episcopal ordinations, an act which the Vatican characterizes as illicit.
Coverage from outlets including The Guardian, National Catholic Reporter, and AP News highlights the sect's rejection of Vatican II teachings and its embrace of an outsider status. The Catholic Herald and EWTN News have provided the full text of the group's recent declarations, while reports from Newsweek and Il Messaggero focus on the impending threat of excommunication for the priests involved.
Attention now shifts to the upcoming Vatican consistory. Coverage does not yet specify the exact timeline for the ordinations or the Vatican’s final disciplinary response should the group proceed with its plans.
Synthesized by headlinez.news from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 43d ago.
Sources (13)
- On the Brink: The SSPX and the Vatican's Deepening Divide Il Messaggero · 45d ago
- Read the full text of the SSPX’s Declaration of Catholic Faith to Pope Leo XIV The Catholic Herald · 45d ago
- Crisis looms for Pope Leo as splinter sect seeks to ordain far-right bishops The Guardian · 45d ago
- These traditionalist Catholics are defying Pope Leo XIV, and embracing their outsider status National Catholic Reporter · 45d ago
- Rebel Catholic Priest Facing Excommunication Compares Group To Joan of Arc Newsweek · 45d ago
- SSPX doubles down on defiance of Vatican II in open letter National Catholic Reporter · 45d ago
- SSPX issues declaration of faith ahead of Vatican consistory The Catholic Herald · 45d ago
- Declaration of Bishop Athanasius Schneider on the SSPX Consecrations FSSPX Actualités · 45d ago
- This Is the Real Divide Between Rome and the SSPX National Catholic Register · 45d ago
- Pope says church 'must move forward' if SSPX proceeds with illicit ordinations National Catholic Reporter · 45d ago
- Catholic Rebel Group Days Away From Excommunication Newsweek · 45d ago
- SSPX issues declaration of faith to Pope Leo XIV and cardinals ahead of consistory EWTN News · 45d ago
- These traditionalist Catholics are defying Pope Leo XIV, and embracing their outsider status AP News · 45d ago
The obvious questions
What is the primary cause of the conflict between the SSPX and the Vatican?
The divide centers on the SSPX's ongoing defiance of Vatican II teachings and their stated intention to conduct illicit episcopal ordinations.
What is the status of the SSPX priests involved?
The group is currently facing the prospect of excommunication from the Catholic Church.
Has Pope Leo XIV commented on the situation?
Yes, Pope Leo XIV stated that the church must move forward if the group proceeds with the planned ordinations.
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