BREAKING Cardinal Zen Joins 2 Traditional Cardinals Urgently Appealing to the SSPX to Remain Faithful to Pope Leo XIV
In an urgent appeal for unity, 94-year-old Cardinal Joseph Zen has called on the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) to reconsider its plan to consecrate bishops without papal approval. Writing on X, the Chinese prelate urged the society to engage directly with Pope Leo XIV rather than risk a permanent schism.
Zen’s comments join a chorus of concern from other high-ranking traditionalists, including Cardinals Gerhard Müller and Robert Sarah, who have also warned the SSPX against defying the Vatican.
Key Points of Zen’s Message
Cardinal Zen acknowledged the "crisis of conscience" facing many traditionalists, but emphasized that a formal split would cause "serious and lasting damage" to the Church.
Trust in the Pope: Zen described Pope Leo XIV as a "good Father" who listens. He argued that the Pope understands how certain actions taken in the "spirit of the Council" actually contradict the Church’s tradition.
Critique of the DDF: Zen expressed deep skepticism toward Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), accusing him of wanting to "dismantle the Church’s traditions."
The Liturgy: Defending the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM), Zen claimed it is a mistake to suppress it, arguing that the Novus Ordo often failed to reflect the true intentions of the Council Fathers.
A Biblical Comparison
Using a metaphorical "family tree" based on the story of Joseph and his brothers, Zen framed the current ecclesiastical tension:The Path Forward
Zen suggested that the solution lies in returning to the actual documents of Vatican II, rather than modern interpretations of them. He encouraged the SSPX to trust in Pope Leo’s ongoing catechesis to bridge the gap between tradition and the Council.
Neither the SSPX nor the Holy See Press Office have issued formal responses to the Cardinal's remarks.
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