The Vatican announced on July 1, 2026, that it has excommunicated members of the Society of St Pius X, a breakaway ultraconservative Catholic group, following unauthorized ordinations of bishops. This decree, issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, emphasizes that these actions have caused a schism within the Catholic Church.
Details of the Excommunication Decree
According to the Vatican, the group, which has been celebrating sacraments without papal approval, is now officially in schism with the larger church. The decree specifically names the two bishops who led the illicit ordinations in Switzerland and the four priests involved, all of whom have been excommunicated. The Vatican warned that these actions severely undermine the unity of the Church.
The Vatican Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, expressed deep sorrow over the situation, stating, "An act of this kind deeply wounds the unity of the Church." The Vatican made it clear that only the Pope has the authority to consecrate bishops, a practice tied to the Church's historical roots.
Background on the Society of St Pius X
The Society of St Pius X was founded by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in the late 20th century and is known for its rejection of key reforms from the Vatican II Council. With approximately 600,000 followers worldwide, the group has consistently opposed the Church's modernization efforts. The Vatican's decree is a significant escalation in tensions between traditionalist factions and the mainstream Church.
