On July 1, 2026, the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) consecrated four bishops at its seminary in Écône, Switzerland, without the consent of Pope Leo XIV. This act incurs automatic excommunication for the bishops involved and is considered a schismatic act, indicating a rupture of unity within the Catholic Church. The consecration ceremony, which featured the ancient Latin Mass, was attended by thousands of supporters.
The SSPX was founded in opposition to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, which included changes to the Catholic Church's relations with other faiths and allowed Mass to be celebrated in languages other than Latin. The group's founder, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, was suspended in 1975, and the SSPX has since operated outside of the Vatican's authority. Despite previous excommunications, the SSPX has grown to include two bishops, 751 priests, and numerous seminarians and religious members across various nationalities.
Consecrating a bishop without papal consent results in automatic excommunication under canon law, which is considered a serious penalty meant to encourage repentance. While the excommunication does not invalidate the consecration, it may prompt a response from the Vatican, especially given the public nature of the event. Pope Francis has previously made concessions to the SSPX, allowing their priests to perform certain sacraments, but the recent actions may lead to a reevaluation of these concessions.
Pope Benedict XVI had also attempted to reconcile with the SSPX during his papacy, but tensions remained, particularly following controversial statements made by one of the bishops. The current situation presents a challenge for Pope Leo XIV as he navigates relations with traditionalist factions within the Church.