Vatican Excommunicates Six Bishops from Traditionalist Society of St Pius X
So, on Thursday, the Vatican revealed that they’ve excommunicated six bishops from the Society of St Pius X (SSPX) because they went ahead and consecrated four new bishops without permission. The Holy See called this act "schismatic" and warned that any layperson who officially supports the SSPX would face the same fate. This excommunication impacts the four newly consecrated bishops and the two who led the ceremony in Econe, Switzerland, which drew thousands of attendees from around the world. The SSPX, known for its traditionalist views, disregarded Pope Leo’s plea to avoid these consecrations, leading to serious tensions and automatic excommunication from the Vatican.
Key facts
- The Vatican excommunicated six bishops from the Society of St Pius X on Thursday.
- The excommunication followed the SSPX's consecration of four new bishops without papal approval.
- The decree called the consecration ceremony 'an act of schismatic nature'.
- Lay believers who 'formally adhere' to the SSPX also face excommunication.
- The ceremony took place in Econe, southwest Switzerland.
- Thousands of worshippers from around the world attended the rite.
- The SSPX defied a plea from Pope Leo not to consecrate new bishops.
- Consecrating bishops without the pope's consent leads to automatic excommunication.
Entities
Institutions
- Society of St Pius X
- Holy See
- Vatican
Locations
- Econe
- Switzerland