Traditionalist Catholic leaders of the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) defend their decision to defy Pope Leo XIV and say they acted to “save souls,” portraying themselves as victims of what they call an unjust sanction by the Holy See. Multiple outlets report that the group’s head writes to the pope the day after Vatican actions against SSPX clergy. The Vatican excommunicates the society’s bishops and priests, and warns that the group’s members face potential excommunication if they participate in what the Holy See characterizes as a schism, or rupture in Church unity.
SSPX is known for celebrating the older Latin Mass and for opposing reforms associated with modernizing directions within the Catholic Church. The outlets also note that the society continues religious activity amid the Vatican measures, including the consecration of four new members reported by one source. While the Vatican frames SSPX’s actions as a breach of unity requiring disciplinary measures, SSPX argues its stance is faithful to doctrine and casts the Vatican’s sanctions as improper. The dispute centers on authority, liturgical practice, and compliance with papal direction.
