Fraternity San Pio X Appeals Schism Sanction in Dispute with Trani Diocese

The Fraternity of San Pio X filed a formal appeal on 11 July against a decree of excommunication issued on 1 July, invoking canon law article 1353 which suspends any sanction until a higher ecclesiastical authority rules. In its statement the fraternity rejects accusations of schism, asserts that it continues to transmit authentic Catholic doctrine, and challenges the archbishop of the Trani‑Barletta‑Bisceglie Diocese for labeling its sacraments illicit and invalid. It also questions the legitimacy of the archbishop’s warnings to the faithful and cites historical precedents of episcopal consecrations after reconciliations with the Orthodox churches.