Pope Leon XIV faces mounting criticism over traditionalist ordinations and synodal reforms

During the first year of Pope Leon XIV’s pontificate, senior church figures have increasingly called for decisive action. Traditionalist clergy linked to the Society of Saint‑Pius X have ordained bishops without papal mandate, prompting automatic excommunication and raising comparisons with Chinese episcopal appointments approved by the government. The episode highlights ongoing tensions over the legacy of the Vatican II reforms.

Cardinals Raymond Leo Burke, Robert Sarah and Gerhard Ludwig Müller have publicly urged the pope to intervene. Burke asked for a suspension of the current synodal process for theological review, while Sarah called for a reassessment of the Synod’s Group 9 report, doctrinal statements on homosexuality, and a possible repeal of the “Traditionis custodes” restrictions. Müller similarly advocated for a return to plenary debates at consistories. These demands reflect growing impatience among conservative elements for the pope to address perceived doctrinal drift and procedural excesses within the Church.