The Vatican excommunicates six bishops associated with the ultraconservative Society of St. Pius X after the group consecrates new bishops in Switzerland. Multiple outlets report that the Society’s action follows a plea from Pope Leo XIV for the group not to proceed with consecrations without Vatican approval. The Holy See states that the recent ordinations—four bishops consecrated to expand the group’s episcopal leadership—take place in defiance of the pope’s request. The Vatican decree characterizes the consecration ceremony as schismatic in nature and orders that the six bishops face excommunication as a penalty. In addition, one report says the Vatican warns that lay Catholics who formally adhere to the Society of St. Pius X also risk the same ecclesiastical penalties. The decisions underscore the Vatican’s position that bishops consecrated without papal approval are not recognized within its authority. The reported actions reflect the Vatican’s broader effort to address divisions with groups considered to be operating outside official church governance.