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A breakaway Catholic group, the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), has been excommunicated for ordaining bishops without the approval of Pope Leo XIV. The SSPX, known for opposing modern reforms in the Catholic Church, went ahead with the ordination of four bishops on Wednesday (July 1) in Econe, Switzerland, despite the Pope's appeals to halt the ceremony. The Vatican responded by publishing a decree on Thursday, declaring the excommunication of the four newly ordained bishops and the two bishops who participated in the ceremony.
The SSPX was founded in 1970 by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in opposition to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, which included changes like celebrating Mass in languages other than Latin. The group has a significant following, with six bishops, 751 priests, and 264 seminarians worldwide. The Vatican's decree warns that any clergy or lay members who formally adhere to the SSPX will also face excommunication.
The excommunication is the harshest penalty under canon law and is intended to prompt repentance and return to the Church. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, expressed his sorrow over the ordinations, stating they "break the unity of the Church." The decree also invalidates any sacraments of marriage and confession administered by the SSPX.
Despite previous concessions by Pope Francis allowing SSPX priests to administer certain sacraments, the Vatican has now reversed these allowances. The SSPX continues to operate with a presence in the United States, including a seminary in Dillwyn, Virginia, led by one of the newly ordained bishops, Father Michael Goldade. The Vatican remains open to welcoming those who wish to return to full communion with the Church.