LIFE

Vatican formally excommunicates six SSPX bishops after unauthorized episcopal ordinations

Alvin Kasiban · Jul 2, 2026, 5:45 PM

From L) The new traditionalist Catholic consacred bishops Swiss Pascal Schreiber, US' Michael Goldade, French Michel Poinsinet de Sivry and French Marc Hanappier stand next to Spanish born bishop Alfonso de Galarreta during the schismatic consecration of bishops by the traditionalist Catholic Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) in Econe, western Switzerland, on 1 July, 2026. The Society of Saint Pius X consecrated four new bishops on 1 July, 2026, in defiance of Pope Leo XIV, who pleaded with the ultra-traditionalist breakaway group to turn back from what he called a "schismatic act" with Rome. — AFP

The Vatican has formally declared six bishops affiliated with the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) excommunicated after the traditionalist group proceeded with episcopal ordinations without the approval of Pope Leo XIV.

In a decree issued 2 July, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith said Bishops Bernard Fellay and Alfonso de Galarreta, who presided over the ceremony, together with newly ordained Bishops Pascal Schreiber, Michael Goldade, Michel Poinsinet de Sivry and Marc Hanappier, automatically incurred excommunication under canon law.

The Holy See also described the SSPX as being in schism and warned Catholics against supporting or aligning themselves with the group, saying such actions could carry similar canonical consequences.

The ruling came a day after the ordinations, despite repeated appeals from Rome to halt the ceremony. Before it took place, Vatican officials had already warned that proceeding without a papal mandate would trigger automatic penalties.

“In this spirit, and filled with Christian affection, I plead with you and ask you with all my heart: Please turn back,” Pope Leo XIV personally urging the society to reconsider before the consecrations went ahead.

The SSPX has remained at odds with the Vatican for decades over its rejection of several reforms introduced by the Second Vatican Council, while continuing to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass exclusively. The latest development recalls 1988, when founder Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre was likewise excommunicated after ordaining bishops without papal authorization.

The SSPX had not issued a public response as of publication.