The Vatican announces sanctions against the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) after the group consecrates bishops without papal consent. Multiple outlets report that the Vatican’s doctrine office issues a formal declaration that the SSPX is in schism, describing the recent ordinations as schismatic acts. Reports say the consecrations occur at the SSPX’s seminary in Econe, Switzerland, and involve bishops ordained without the pope’s approval. The Vatican responds by excommunicating those involved in the ceremonies, with coverage specifically citing the excommunication of four newly consecrated bishops and two bishops who participated. The Vatican also warns the faithful about the consequences of involvement with the group.
Several articles characterize the Vatican’s response as unusually forceful, noting it goes beyond the minimum penalties foreseen in canon law. The SSPX is described as a traditionalist Catholic organization that opposes reforms associated with modernizing directions in the church, and the current action is presented as part of the Vatican’s effort to address prior attempts at handling the dispute with the group.
