Vatican Declares SSPX in Schism, US Bishops Warn Catholics

The Vatican announced on July 2 that the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) is in formal schism after six of its bishops performed unauthorized episcopal consecrations, incurring automatic excommunication. In response, several U.S. bishops have instructed Catholics to avoid SSPX sacraments, describing them as illicit and, except in cases of imminent death, forbidden. Archbishop Bernard Hebda (St. Paul‑Minneapolis), Bishop Terry LaValley (Ogdensburg, NY) and Bishop Frank Caggiano (Bridgeport, CT) each issued statements urging former SSPX attendees to return to the Catholic Church and noting that confessions and marriages celebrated by SSPX clergy are considered invalid. The directives aim to protect unity within the Church and address concerns among traditionalist Catholic communities, including those in Texas, where the schism’s impact is being closely monitored.