Story perspectives

SSPX Sells Wine Sets for Excommunicable Bishop Consecration

6/26/2026

Center

SSPX Sells Wine

SSPX will sell a limited-edition four-bottle wine set to attendees of its July 1 bishop consecration.
The Society of Saint Pius X will consecrate four bishops July 1 at its seminary, a rite Vatican says incurs excommunication.
Pope Leo XIV said he is considering an appeal and warned the SSPX’s choice creates division.
Livestreamed ceremony includes hotel bookings, carpool, prepaid lunches, and a 75-franc wine box.

Left

SSPX Triggers Excommunication

The Society of St Pius X enforces dress codes for women and has ties to Nazi collaborators, raising gender-equity concerns.
The SSPX will consecrate four bishops on July 1 at its Swiss seminary, a rite the Vatican says triggers automatic excommunication.
Pope Leo warned the society to suspend the ordinations, warning refusal could drive schism.
Critics say the Latin Mass, ban on women’s trousers, and Holocaust-denial statements undermine Catholic commitments.

History

Historical Context

In June 1988 Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre announced he would consecrate four Society of Saint Pius X priests without a papal mandate; despite a 17 June warning from Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, he proceeded on 30 June, prompting the Vatican to declare automatic excommunication on 1 July and Pope John Paul II to issue *Ecclesia Dei* on 2 July. Today the SSPX’s planned July 1 ordinations repeat that disputed act, reviving the same canonical clash.

1 of 3

SSPX Sells Wine

SSPX will sell a limited-edition four-bottle wine set to attendees of its July 1 bishop consecration.
The Society of Saint Pius X will consecrate four bishops July 1 at its seminary, a rite Vatican says incurs excommunication.
Pope Leo XIV said he is considering an appeal and warned the SSPX’s choice creates division.
Livestreamed ceremony includes hotel bookings, carpool, prepaid lunches, and a 75-franc wine box.

1 / 3