Pope Leo XIV Confronts First Major Crisis as Traditionalist SSPX Rejects Vatican Dialogue
The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), a breakaway Catholic traditionalist group, has formally rejected the Vatican's offer of talks, setting a collision course with Pope Leo XIV over its planned consecration of new bishops without his consent. In a letter to Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the Vatican's doctrine chief, the SSPX superior, Reverend Davide Pagliarani, argued that the Holy See's threats of sanctions and schism undermine any genuine desire for constructive dialogue.
Background of the Schism and Growing Tensions
The SSPX was founded in opposition to the Second Vatican Council, the 1960s meetings that modernised the Catholic Church by allowing Mass in vernacular languages. The group celebrates the old Latin Mass and broke with Rome in 1988 when its founder, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, consecrated four bishops without papal approval, citing the need to preserve church tradition. This act led to excommunications and left the SSPX without legal status in the church.
Despite this, the SSPX has expanded globally, operating schools, seminaries, and parishes. It now boasts 733 priests, 264 seminarians, 145 religious brothers, 88 oblates, and 250 religious sisters, representing a parallel church that poses a significant threat to Vatican authority.
Immediate Crisis Over Bishop Consecrations
Earlier this month, the SSPX announced plans to consecrate four new bishops on 1 July, as only two from the original group remain. The group insists this is necessary for survival to minister to its growing global faithful. This move has created the first tangible crisis for Pope Leo XIV, who has sought to pacify relations with Catholic traditionalists that deteriorated under his predecessor, Pope Francis.
In response, Cardinal Fernández invited Reverend Pagliarani to the Vatican for talks on 12 February, proposing a theological dialogue on Vatican II if the SSPX suspends the consecration ceremony. However, Pagliarani's letter, posted on the SSPX website, rejected this offer, noting that a similar proposal in 2019 went unanswered and that doctrinal agreement is impossible under current conditions.
SSPX's Stance and Vatican's Silence
Pagliarani emphasised that the Vatican's threats of schism and sanctions contradict efforts at fraternal exchange. He wrote, "Indeed, the hand extended to open the dialogue is unfortunately accompanied by another hand already poised to impose sanctions." Instead of doctrinal talks, he appealed for charity, highlighting the SSPX's role in administering sacraments to Catholic faithful.
The Vatican has offered no immediate comment, leaving the situation unresolved. This standoff not only affects the SSPX but also influences Catholic traditionalists loyal to Rome who are sympathetic to the group's plight, watching closely how Pope Leo XIV manages this challenge.
