Vatican excommunicates followers of conservative Catholic sect

The Vatican has taken the drastic step of excommunicating followers of the conservative Catholic splinter group, the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX). This action follows the group's consecration of four new bishops in Geneva, an act explicitly forbidden by Pope Leo XIV.

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The Vatican has excommunicated followers of a conservative Catholic splinter sect, the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), a day after it consecrated four new bishops in Geneva against Pope Leo XIV's direct instruction.

A Vatican decree declared that all six bishops of the SSPX are excommunicated. In a highly unusual move, the decree also stated that any lay members who "formally adhere" to the group are to be considered schismatic and excommunicated. However, the Vatican later clarified that not all members would be automatically excommunicated, specifying that those who "habitually participate" in SSPX celebrations and "formally share its doctrinal positions" would be subject to the ban. The group stated that those who leave the SSPX would be welcomed back "with sincere affection."

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any lay members who "formally adhere" to the group "are to be considered schismatic and excommunicated".

The SSPX was established in 1970 as a protest against the modernizing reforms introduced by the Roman Catholic Church following the Second Vatican Council. The Society, which numbers an estimated 600,000 worshippers worldwide, continues to adhere to traditional practices. These include celebrating Mass in Latin, with priests facing the altar rather than the congregation. Communion is given directly into the mouths of kneeling worshippers, and women typically cover their heads during services.

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It actually makes me feel quite strong. "Before the consecrations yesterday I said to my husband, 'Do you know what? Even if they excommunicate us, go ahead, bring it on, it's not going to make one bit of difference.'

Followers of the SSPX generally hold more socially conservative views and oppose the Catholic Church's current stance on interdenominational dialogue. Rita Reid, an SSPX worshipper from Jersey, expressed defiance, stating the excommunication would make "no bit of difference" to her faith. She finds SSPX ceremonies more "profound" and feels "the true presence of Jesus," contrasting it with what she describes as the "weak and wishy-washy" standard Catholic Mass, where she feels traditional social values are no longer emphasized.

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SSPX ceremonies are much more "profound", where she feels "the true presence of Jesus".