BREAKING Vatican Seeks Urgent Dialogue with Traditional SSPX to Prevent Further Schism

Vatican Seeks to Dialogue to Prevent Schism Due to Scheduled Unsanctioned Episcopal Ordinations by SSPX

The Holy See is engaged in scheduling urgent talks with the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), a traditional Latin Mass society, to prevent a formal schism following the Society's announcement of plans to ordain new bishops without papal approval. SSPX Superior General Davide Pagliarani cited an "objective situation of grave need" for the July 1 consecrations, noting that only two of the Society's four original bishops remain active.

The SSPX's Vatican meeting will occur on Feb. 12 at the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and will be led by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the dicastery. The SSPX delegation will be led by its superior general, Father Davide Pagliarani, age 55. 

While the Vatican urges continued dialogue to avoid "unilateral solutions," the SSPX claims recent correspondence from Rome failed to address their concerns, leaving the two sides at a critical theological and legal impasse.

Vatican Vs. SSPX Explained:

  • The Conflict: The SSPX plans to consecrate new bishops on July 1 to ensure the community’s survival, as their current leadership ages.

  • The Vatican’s Stance: Papal spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that the Holy See is maintaining contact with the group specifically to "avoid rifts" and discourage them from acting without permission.

  • Historical Context: This tension mirrors the 1988 crisis when founder Marcel Lefebvre was excommunicated for similar unsanctioned ordinations. While Pope Benedict XVI lifted those excommunications in 2009, full theological agreement was never reached.

  • Current Status: The SSPX maintains that Rome’s recent responses are inadequate, framing the upcoming ordinations as a necessity for the spiritual well-being of their followers.

  • Sources: https://www.vaticannews.va/it/vaticano/news/2026-02/dottrina-della-fede-fraternita-san-pio-x-incontro-santa-sede.html

  • https://fsspx.news/en/news/general-house-fsspx-announces-future-consecrations-57009

Comments

Anonymous said…
Let them go their way. Stay with the church Holy Father
February 5, 2026 at 1:27 PM
Anonymous said…
The SSPX act out of their selfish interest and not that of the Catholic Faith. They sow disunity by insisting on items not essential to Deposit of Faith, of which they are not banned from exercising anyway. They have lost all humility and have taken into themselves that of which God has not given them.
February 5, 2026 at 3:07 PM
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