Rome — Pope Leo XIV has issued a final appeal to the traditionalist Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), urging the group to abandon plans to ordain four bishops without Vatican approval, warning that doing so would constitute a grave act of schism and lead to automatic excommunication.
The ordinations are expected to take place on Wednesday at the SSPX seminary in Écône, Switzerland, marking the most significant challenge to Pope Leo’s papacy since his election just over a year ago.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the society, the pontiff described the planned consecrations as a “sin of extreme gravity” and pleaded with the group to reconsider.
“I plead with you and ask you with all my heart: please turn back,” Pope Leo wrote. “I pray for you, because to tear the seamless garment of Christ is a sin of extreme gravity. May the Lord enlighten your consciences and awaken your hearts.”
According to Catholic teaching, bishops must remain in communion with the pope, and papal approval is required for the ordination of new bishops. The Vatican considers any attempt to consecrate bishops without the pope’s mandate a serious breach of Church law and a threat to ecclesiastical unity.
The SSPX rejects several reforms introduced by the Second Vatican Council, including the widespread celebration of Mass in local languages instead of Latin. The group has remained at odds with the Vatican for decades despite periodic efforts at reconciliation.
The society maintains a significant presence in the United States, with its headquarters in Missouri and a seminary in Dillwyn, Virginia. Among those expected to be ordained is Father Michael Goldade, who currently serves as rector of the Virginia seminary.
Founded in Switzerland in 1970 by French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, the SSPX was officially suppressed by the Diocese of Fribourg five years later. In 1988, Lefebvre ordained four bishops without papal approval, triggering excommunications and deepening the rift between the society and the Roman Catholic Church.
If Wednesday’s ordinations proceed as planned, the newly consecrated bishops will face automatic excommunication, further straining relations between the Vatican and the traditionalist movement.
