Vatican Declares Society of St. Pius X in Schism After Unauthorized Bishop Ordinations

The Vatican issued a decree on 2 July 2026 declaring the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) to be in schism and excommunicating six of its bishops and other members for consecrating four new bishops without papal approval at the SSPX seminary in Écône, Switzerland on 1 July 2026. The society responded by filing a preliminary appeal with the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on 11 July, invoking Canon 1353 to suspend the execution of the decree while the appeal is considered. The appeal argues that the excommunication should be suspended pending a full hierarchical recourse.

Cardinals and bishops in Europe have called for a review of recent Vatican restrictions on the traditional Latin Mass, while the SSPX maintains that its actions aim to preserve liturgical tradition. The appeal process may lead to a further review by the Apostolic Signatura, but the Vatican could still confirm the decree, making it un‑appealable. The dispute affects SSPX members worldwide, estimated at over 500,000 faithful, and highlights ongoing tensions between the traditionalist group and Pope Leo XIV’s administration.