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Vatican warns that ordinations planned by the Society of St. Pius X may lead to automatic excommunication and increase historical tension involving Latin Masses
A new tension involving the Catholic Church gained strength this Wednesday, May 13, 2026. The Vatican warned that the Society of St. Pius X could face automatic excommunication if it proceeds with the ordination of new bishops without the authorization of Pope Leo XIV.
The statement was released by the doctrinal office of the Holy See, led by Cardinal Victor Fernández. According to the Vatican, any episcopal consecration without papal consent would represent a schism, characterized as a formal rupture with the pope and the central authority of the Catholic Church.
The Holy See also classified the possible ceremony as a “grave offense against God.” The anticipated punishment would affect both the bishop responsible for the ordination and the religious figures consecrated without official Vatican approval.
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Society of St. Pius X maintains resistance to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council
The Society of St. Pius X has maintained delicate relations with Rome for several decades. The ultra-traditionalist group rejects significant changes promoted by the Second Vatican Council, held during the 1960s.
The reforms approved during that period altered historical practices of the Catholic Church. The main one authorized the celebration of Masses in local languages, replacing the requirement of Latin in religious ceremonies.
The society has remained a defender of the traditional Latin rite. Members of the group claim that the format preserves a more formal and symbolic character of Catholic celebrations.
Data released by the organization itself indicates that the society currently has 733 priests in different countries. The group’s leadership announced, in February 2026, the intention to ordain new bishops in July, even without Vatican authorization.
Case recalls historical excommunication involving Marcel Lefebvre
The new impasse revives a significant episode that occurred in 1988. That year, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, founder of the Society of St. Pius X, was excommunicated after ordaining four bishops without the authorization of Pope John Paul II.
The Vatican classified the decision as a serious breach of discipline and unity of the Catholic Church. The measure deepened the rift between Rome and the traditionalist movement.
Pope Benedict XVI attempted to rebuild the dialogue years later. The pontiff revoked the remaining excommunications in an attempt at institutional rapprochement between the Vatican and the fraternity.
The doctrinal divergences, however, remained present. The relationship between the two parties remained marked by tension and distrust over the past decades.
Vatican reinforces the pope’s authority in the selection of bishops
Catholic tradition establishes that only the pope has the authority to authorize the consecration of new bishops. The Vatican states that this rule preserves the Church’s historical connection with the 12 apostles of Jesus, considered the first bishops and priests of Christianity.
The Church’s legislation determines automatic excommunication for ceremonies held without pontifical authorization. Excommunicated individuals are prevented from receiving sacraments and holding religious functions until they demonstrate formal repentance.
Catholic norms also prevent a religious funeral for people who remain excommunicated until death, according to the Church’s rules.
First major crisis of Leo XIV’s papacy broadens debate within the Catholic Church
The warning issued by the Vatican represents the first public threat of excommunication during the papacy of Leo XIV. The episode reignites discussions about papal authority, liturgical tradition, and the limits of ultratraditionalist movements within the Catholic Church.
The Society of Saint Pius X insists on the need to expand its religious leadership. The Vatican, on the other hand, reinforces that any ordination without the pope’s approval represents a direct breach of Catholic unity.
Will the new confrontation between Rome and the traditionalists linked to Latin masses be resolved without causing a new historical rupture within the Catholic Church?
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