Vatican Excommunicates SSPX Bishops, Declares Society a Schism

On July 2 the Vatican’s doctrinal office declared the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) a schism and excommunicated its bishops, citing the illicit consecrations performed without papal consent. The decree says sacraments administered by SSPX clergy are illicit and, in some cases, invalid, and urges Catholics to remain in communion with Pope Leo XIV.

U.S. bishops, including San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo García‑Siller, echoed the Vatican’s warning, stating, “To embrace the unity called for by Christ is to remain attached to the vine and to be in communion with Pope Leo XIV and the hierarchy of the Catholic Church.” The traditionalist society, with about 750 priests and roughly 600,000 adherents worldwide, continues to celebrate the Latin Mass, hold baptisms and run camps, but faces pressure as faithful decide whether to stay or return to Roman‑aligned parishes.