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Vatican excommunicates traditionalist Catholic group after unauthorized bishop consecrations
๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท Turkey /Culture & Society

Vatican excommunicates traditionalist Catholic group after unauthorized bishop consecrations

From Cumhuriyet · () Turkish

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • The Vatican has excommunicated four bishops and two other bishops from the traditionalist Priestly Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX).
  • This action follows the SSPX's consecration of four new bishops without papal approval, which the Vatican termed a "schismatic act."
  • The Vatican stated that priests and followers of the SSPX are now considered schismatic and face excommunication, though a path back to full communion remains open.

The Vatican has taken a hard line against the traditionalist Priestly Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), excommunicating four newly consecrated bishops and two bishops who officiated the ceremony. The Holy See declared the consecrations, performed without papal mandate at the SSPX's seminary in Ecรดne, Switzerland, as a "schismatic act."

The Vatican has taken a hard line against the traditionalist Priestly Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), excommunicating four newly consecrated bishops and two bishops who officiated the ceremony.

โ€” VaticanOfficial statement regarding the excommunication of SSPX bishops.

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith announced that the four newly consecrated bishops, along with the two who consecrated them, have been excommunicated. The Vatican stated that the SSPX has created a schism, representing a "conscious rupture" with the Catholic Church. This measure extends to SSPX priests, who are now deemed schismatic and subject to excommunication.

Furthermore, the Vatican warned that lay followers participating in the SSPX's services would also be considered schismatic and face excommunication, one of the most severe sanctions in the Catholic Church. Sacraments like confession and marriage administered by SSPX priests will be deemed invalid. This decision effectively retracts concessions previously offered by the Vatican in an effort to reintegrate the society into full communion.

The SSPX has created a schism, representing a 'conscious rupture' with the Catholic Church.

โ€” VaticanThe Vatican's characterization of the SSPX's actions.

Despite Pope Francis's appeal for unity, the SSPX proceeded with the consecrations, arguing they were necessary to serve their faithful. Father Davide Pagliarani, the SSPX leader, asserted that their actions were not disrespectful to the Pope but aimed at preserving Catholic doctrine. The SSPX, founded by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in 1970, opposes the modernizing reforms of the Second Vatican Council. While Pope Benedict XVI lifted previous excommunications in 2009, the SSPX has not achieved canonical status within the Church. The Vatican, however, has indicated that a door remains open for SSPX members to return to full communion, describing the Church as a "mother who welcomes with compassion."

The Church is a 'mother who welcomes with compassion.'

โ€” VaticanThe Vatican's message to SSPX members regarding a potential return to full communion.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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