Full Breakdown
SSPX Defies Pope Leo XIV with Unauthorized Bishop Consecrations in Switzerland
7/1/2026, 10:15:57 PM
Unauthorized Consecrations in Econe, Switzerland
On Wednesday, the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) consecrated four bishops—Pascal Schreiber (Switzerland), Michael Goldade (United States), Michel Poinsinet de Sivry (France) and Marc Hanappier (France)—at its seminary in Econe, Switzerland. Hundreds of priests processed under a tent, the Latin Mass was livestreamed, and Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta performed the laying-on-of-hands.
Background and Key Actors
The SSPX was founded by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre to oppose the Second Vatican Council’s reforms. Its 1988 unauthorized consecrations led to excommunication. Key figures in the 2024 rite are Pope Leo XIV, SSPX Superior Rev. Davide Pagliarani, Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta, and media manager Marc-André Mabillard.
Society Scale and Logistics
SSPX reports six bishops, 751 priests, 264 seminarians and 250 religious sisters from 50 nations. Attendees received “Econe2026” caps and a 75-franc “Cuvee des Sacres” wine set.
Vatican’s Canonical Position
Canon law defines consecrating a bishop without papal mandate as a schismatic rupture that incurs automatic excommunication. Pope Leo XIV described the rite as a “sin of extreme gravity” that harms the faithful. The Vatican has not issued an immediate comment beyond referencing the canonical penalty.
SSPX’s Justification
SSPX described the rite as a “sacred duty” undertaken out of a “state of necessity” to protect its faithful. Pagliarani said the society acts out of love for the Pope; media manager Mabillard said they do not fear excommunication.
Criticism & Opposition
Rev. Robert Gahl of the Catholic University of America warned that tradition cannot be upheld while disobeying church authority. Several Catholic observers condemned the consecrations as severe disobedience threatening unity.
On-the-Ground Observations
Travel agent Arlina Onglao (Manila) attended despite excommunication risks, saying she felt “on a safer road to heaven.” The field included nuns, Girl Scouts, security and a mist-shrouded Rhone River backdrop.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Vatican has not issued a detailed response, while SSPX claims the penalties “have no validity,” creating a doctrinal gap.
Verbatim Quotes
- “sin of extreme gravity” — Pope Leo XIV, in a letter to the SSPX
- “We are accused of not respecting the pope,” — Rev. Davide Pagliarani, SSPX Superior
- “The Holy Father doesn’t really agree with it, but I hand over – I will pray to the Good Lord that the authorities in Rome can one day accept coming back to the church’s traditions,” — Wulfran Lindzondzo, medical researcher
- “You can’t serve tradition while disobeying the church and her authority,” — Rev. Robert Gahl, ethics expert, Catholic University of America
What’s Next
SSPX has urged Pope Leo XIV to wait before any penalty is declared. The Vatican has not yet issued a detailed response.
