Vatican Excommunicates Pius Brotherhood Bishops

Pope Leo XIV has taken decisive action against the traditionalist Society of Saint Pius X, excommunicating four bishops and two priests involved in consecrating new bishops without papal mandate. The Vatican's move, announced just one day after the consecrations in Ecône, Switzerland, signals a firm stance against what it deems a "schismatic act."

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such disobedience – which represents a practical rejection of the Roman primacy – constitutes a schismatic act.

Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the Vatican's doctrinal watchdog, signed the decree, which also declared that sacraments and marriages performed by the excommunicated clergy are invalid. The Holy See emphasized that these actions represent a rejection of papal primacy. The decree also extends excommunication to any lay members who formally join the SSPX.

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They are subject to the excommunication provided by law.

Despite the strict measures, the Vatican extended an invitation for those wishing to return to full communion with the Catholic Church. Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin expressed regret over the situation, stating it harms church unity but hoping for a resumption of dialogue. The core issue, he noted, remains the acceptance of the Second Vatican Council, a point of contention that has long divided the SSPX from the mainstream Church.

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The essential point is that of the Council: is the Second Vatican Council accepted or not?