Pope Francis XIV convenes consistory as SSPX plans unauthorized bishop ordinations

Pope Francis XIV opened the second extraordinary consistory of his pontificate, gathering about 130 cardinals from around the world to discuss unity, the state of the world and the Church’s mission. In his remarks he called for honesty, loyalty and public support, urging the cardinals to help discern the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

At the same time, the traditionalist Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) announced plans to ordain four new bishops—two French, one Swiss and one American—on 1 July in Écône, Switzerland, without papal approval. The Vatican warned that such actions would constitute a schismatic act and could lead to the automatic excommunication of the bishops involved and those who receive the ordinations. Pope Francis publicly cautioned the SSPX, emphasizing the need for communion within the Church and warning of the serious canonical consequences of proceeding with the unauthorized consecrations.