Bishop Suetta reprimands priests for participating in illicit SSPX bishop consecrations

Bishop Antonio Suetta of the Ventimiglia‑Sanremo diocese issued a formal decree admonishing two diocesan priests, Jean De Belleville and Antonio De Souza Merces, for attending the episcopal consecration of four members of the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) at Ecône, Switzerland on 1 July 2026. Suetta described the ceremony as an act of “scismatic nature”, lacking a papal mandate and contrary to the Pope’s will, and noted that it was broadcast live and remains available online.

The decree cites canon law and previous Vatican instructions on the Lefebvrian movement, ordering the two priests not to take part in any future SSPX liturgical celebrations and to inform the faithful about the importance of maintaining communion and unity within the Church. The admonition aims to prevent further confusion or scandal among the faithful.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the mainstream Catholic hierarchy and the SSPX, a traditionalist group founded by Marcel Lefebvre.