The Vatican excommunicates six bishops affiliated with the ultratraditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) after the group consecrates four new bishops in Switzerland without papal approval. Multiple outlets report that the Vatican’s decision follows a direct plea from Pope Leo XIV urging the SSPX not to proceed with the ordinations. The Holy See characterizes the consecration ceremony as schismatic and says the SSPX has formally broken with the Catholic Church. Several reports also state that the penalties are tied to the unauthorized status of the episcopal consecrations, meaning the excommunications are applied to those involved as a disciplinary measure. Beyond the bishops themselves, outlets say the Vatican also warns that lay Catholics who formally adhere to the group face the same kind of penalty. Coverage describes the move as a significant early crisis for Pope Leo XIV, reflecting the Vatican’s stance on unity and authority regarding who may consecrate bishops and under what approval process.