Pope Leo XIV Warns Society of St. Pius X of Excommunication Over Planned Bishop Consecrations

The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) will consecrate four priests as bishops on 1 July 2024 at its Écône seminary in Switzerland. The candidates are Father Michael Goldade (U.S.), Father Pascal Schreiber (Switzerland), Father Michel Poinsinet de Sivry (France) and Father Marc Hanappier (France). The Vatican says proceeding without a papal mandate is a schismatic act that triggers automatic excommunication.

NewsweekPope warns SSPX bishop ordinations risk deepening schismPope says Church ‘must move forward’ if illicit ordinations proceed

Founded in 1970 by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, the SSPX split from Rome over Vatican II reforms, especially the Mass and religious-freedom teaching. Lefebvre’s 1988 illicit consecrations led to excommunications, lifted in 2009, yet full reconciliation remains elusive. Recent Vatican documents, such as 2023’s “Fiducia Supplicans,” have deepened SSPX criticism.

Newsweek

The four bishops-to-be are: Michael Goldade, 45, rector of St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary (?100 seminarians); Pascal Schreiber, 53, former Swiss district superior; Michel Poinsinet de Sivry, 42, former Paris school director; Marc Hanappier, 48, French priest.

Newsweek

Pope Leo XIV said he is considering another appeal urging the SSPX not to proceed, but if they do, “we must move forward.” Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández warned the act is a schismatic violation that “entails excommunication under Church law.” The Vatican offered dialogue only if the ordinations are suspended.

Pope says Church ‘must move forward’ if illicit ordinations proceed

The Holy See calls the ordinations a direct breach of canon law, warning they deepen a decades-long schism. Vatican officials argue the act undermines papal authority, while the SSPX claims it defends original Catholic doctrine.

Newsweek

• “if they make that choice, I am sorry, but we must move forward.” — Pope Leo XIV

Newsweek

• “considering making another appeal to say: ‘Do not do this, let us try to live in communion within the Church,’” — Pope Leo XIV

Pope says Church ‘must move forward’ if illicit ordinations proceed

• “formal adherence to the schism constitutes a grave offense against God and entails the excommunication established under Church law.” — Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández

Pope says Church ‘must move forward’ if illicit ordinations proceed

• “Superior General Davide Pagliarani said the group's members would "rather die than renounce" their ultra-traditionalist principles.” — Davide Pagliarani

Newsweek

If the ordinations proceed, the Vatican may impose excommunication, cementing a permanent split. A schism would affect liturgical practice, ecumenical relations, and the Church’s capacity to present a unified doctrinal voice worldwide. The split would also challenge ongoing Vatican efforts to reconcile traditionalist groups and could influence future doctrinal negotiations.

Newsweek

All sources agree on the July 1 date and the four candidates, but the Vatican has not yet issued a formal excommunication decree, and the SSPX has not released full details on Father Marc Hanappier.

Newsweek

The July 1 ordinations remain the focal point. If the SSPX proceeds, the Vatican stands ready to enforce excommunication while continuing dialogue, leaving the outcome uncertain.

Newsweek